A Box Full of Kittens

Written by Sonia Manzano · Illustrated by Matt Phelan

A young girl misses her chance to be a hero. Or does she?

3.4 Goodreads · 79 ratings

40 pages· 1,757 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud· AD600L

$17.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Ruthie dreams of being a hero like Superman. When her aunt needs help with an impending birth, Ruthie is ready to save the day. But a distraction at the bodega—a box of kittens—causes her to miss the chaos unfolding at home. Devastated by her missed opportunity, Ruthie wonders if she can still be the hero she longs to be. In a vibrant Bronx neighborhood, Ruthie learns that heroism might not be what she expected. Can she find her own way to shine?

From the publisher

Ruthie loves Superman. Ruthie wants to be Superman. And when Ruthie is asked to go spend the afternoon with her aunt, who is about to have a baby any day day now and may need some help., Ruthie seizes the opportunity. It could be her chance to be a hero, should the baby come while she’s visiting! But when Ruthie is out fetching a snack for her aunt, she gets so distracted by a box full of kittens in the bodega that she doesn’t hear her aunt calling for her, nor does she notice the policemen running to the apartment or the ambulance pulling to the curb. When she realizes what’s happened, she’s devastated – she’s missed her one chance to be a hero! Or has she? Sonia Manzano, best known as “Maria” on Sesame Street, once again captures the warmth, love, and adventures of her childhood Bronx neighborhood.

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