Delightful is the word I will use to describe this book. It was quirky, different and peculiar in the most magical way. The characters in the book are such a delight!

Miss Petitfour and her sixteen cats will always be one of my go to books on a bad day. There I can go on a picnic, enjoy a cream filled eclair (I wonder if she has vegan options) and then float away with Miss Petitfour and her sixteen cats on an adventure, not knowing where we're going but just following the direction the wind is blowing, without a single care in the world and enjoying every moment.

The only thing that would make this book better is if I had a group of wee ones to read this too. ( )

"Some adventures are so small, you hardly know they've happened....Other adventures are so big and last so long, you might forget they are adventures at all....And some adventures are just the right size - fitting into a single, magical day. And these are the sort of adventures Miss Petitfour had." (from the first page)

Miss Petitfour is a bit like how I imagine Mary Poppins might be on her own time: she lives in a little cottage with sixteen cats (who enjoy playing dress-up and "festooning" the furniture) and she travels by tablecloth. She has adventures that fit into a single day, and the townspeople take her quirks and eccentricities in stride.

I'm not sure this title would appeal to most children, but for a few, I imagine it's just perfect. (Those same ones are likely to read The Penderwicks.) Gentle and whimsical, with delicate illustrations by Emma Block.

More quotes

Sometimes stories will have three special words right in the middle of them, like three shiny buttons down a shirtfront or dress....These three little words, "THEN ONE DAY," open a story like a tiny key. (17)

But, in fact, every week was fun with Miss Petitfour, who followed a strict schedule of fun and more fun. (75)

Even when there's nothing to do, there's always something to think about! (102)

...and sometimes, if you're really lucky, what you're looking for, finds you....sometimes, all you must do is reach out your hand for something wonderful to happen. (117) ( )

This is a cute book but I am not sure what age group it is geared to. I think a read aloud to younger children would fit, but the vocabulary is geared to an older group and I am not sure if the story would appeal to older children. Miss Petitfour has 16 cats. She takes them outside everyday for an airing and using her favourite tablecloth as a sort of balloon, she takes off flying with her cats in tow. She has a different adventure everyday, the sort of adventure that just fits into a day, and thus each of the 5 stories is a different adventure. The story is full of wonderful descriptions of what they see and do and the illustrations are wonderful with just enough of them to keep everyone interested. Overall a cute story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I didn't realize this was a kids' book when I bought it. Oops.
It's not fair for me to rate it with stars. But I thought it was very sweet.
Cute story about a lady with a bunch of cats that she takes with her wherever she goes. Her and the kitties magically float through the air to their destination in their super cute town.
Beautiful illustrations.
I honestly can't guess the age range this book is written for.
It feels like a book you'd read to kids rather than them reading it, but it seems like it would require a decently long attention span.
I'm no kids' book expert.
So, I'll just say it's a cute, sweet story with adorable kitties and a bit of a magical side.

Cute illustrations, cute stories, but a little directionless overall. I didn't care much about Miss Petitfour and her impossible to keep track of cats. Also unsure of the audience for these -- as an adult I was a little bored but I think it would be too much for most children. The whole thing felt like it might have been trying just a bit too hard. ( )