Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect written by Hilda Eunice Burgos, illustrated by Siara Faison
- Cana Clark
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
Bodega cats are something of a New York specialty — you may have heard about them as fixtures of NYC culture. They drape themselves on shelves, hunt for rodents amongst the chip bags, and lounge on next to registers with all the confidence of an ancient guardian. The internet loves bodega cats. They’ve spawned many an article, Instagram fan accounts, and even a social media show (shout out to Shop Cat Show hosted by Michelladona). Now, they’ve inspired a series of early readers!
Bodega Cats is an adorable series of lightly illustrated books written by Hilda Eunice Burgos and illustrated by Siara Faison. The first book, Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect, centers around Miguel Rosado, an elementary school boy who works at his parents’ bodega in New York, and Lolo, a young stray cat. They meet by chance on the street, and Miguel is able to convince his parents to keep Lolo. Lolo more than earns his place in the family, catching rodents and entertaining customers.
The plot is interesting here because the real conflict of the book isn’t Miguel trying to convince his parents they need to keep Lolo; the conflict is Miguel struggling to reconcile his dream of pursuing art with his desire to make his parents proud. His parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic and started their bodega business to build a good life for the family. They put a lot of pressure on Miguel to take advantage of the opportunities they worked for. When Miguel asks to join the school’s art club, they tell him no and suggest he join a real club, like his cousin in the student council club. Their disdain for Miguel’s passion is almost hard to read at times, with them saying things like “Art is a waste of time,” and telling him that his art is cute but silly.
While an adult reader can see where Miguel’s parents are coming from, a kid reader will relate to Miguel’s frustration. The constant belittling will stir a young reader’s sense of justice, and might even have them reflecting on their own hidden dreams.
Luckily, not all the adults in Miguel’s life discourage him from art, however — his Tío Diego encourages him: “They should know better than to discourage your talents. They’re so busy they probably aren’t thinking straight.” Tío Diego gives him colored pencils to use when Miguel visits to care for him. He tells him that his art is important.
With all the mixed messages and his own earnest belief that art is valuable, Miguel learns to lie. He convinces his parents that he’s joining robotics club instead of art club. He sneaks off to an art museum when he's supposed to be staying at Tío Diego's apartment to keep an eye on him. He even lies to Tío. Readers will want to urge on Miguel and will empathize with his desperation, even though you can't help but realize the lies will trip him up eventually.
While Miguel wrestles with guilt, Lolo the cat is off defending his territory at the bodega. He remembers the harsh life of the streets and is desperate to stay in his new home, following Miguel everywhere and panicking when Miguel is gone too long. When another stray cat, an orange tabby named Preciosa, starts visiting the bodega, Lolo hisses and tries to chase her off.
Both characters’ struggles come to a head when Miguel and Lolo leave Tio Diego to visit an art museum. On the way, Lolo notices Preciosa fighting off a group of mean cats. Finally coming to the end of his character arc, Lolo selflessly defends Preciosa and risks his own safety. Miguel also steps in, which leads to him calling a local vet to get Preciosa care. In a sweet twist, Preciosa is revealed to be pregnant and in labor!
Unfortunately for Miguel, rescuing a pregnant cat is not all that happens... he hears sirens and runs back to Tío Diego’s apartment, only to find the fire department ushering tenants back into the building. In his confused and injured state, Tío Diego burnt a piece of toast and set off the fire alarm. He reassures Miguel that all is good, but Miguel is wracked with guilt. His parents find out what happened and send him to his room while they discuss a punishment for this newest lie and irresponsible behavior.
Lolo comes to the rescue in a way that had my heart clenching — he drags Miguel’s latest comic to the frustrated parents. The comic, titled “Super Lolo is a Real Rosado,” reveals Miguel’s admiration for Lolo’s kindness and shame over his own mistakes. The last panel shows cartoon Miguel hugging Tío Diego and apologizing. The text reads, “Miguel decides to give up art forever so he won’t hurt his family.”
JEEZ. This whole book is like a fun little episode of a PBS cartoon and then BAM. It rips your heart out! The comic prompts Miguel’s parents to reconsider, and while they do punish him for lying and abandoning Tío Diego, they also tell him he’s never allowed to give up art and they even apologize.
I love that Miguel’s parents apologize — it shows that they respect Miguel and can admit that they’re wrong. I also think still having consequences for Miguel’s lying was a good choice. We love to see growth from multiple characters!
Another thing I appreciated about this book was the inclusion of veterinary care. The book is conscious that it may be instructive for kids and perhaps their first introduction for what to do when one comes across a stray cat. Dr Gómez of Gómez’s Gatos Animal Clinic is a real resource for Miguel and the cats. Dr Gómez provides care for little Lolo, and even offers treatment for the pregnant stray Preciosa. Books like this one are instrumental for teaching kids how to help stray and injured animals. (Check out Ethan and the Strays for a kids’ introduction to Trap Neuter Release). I imagine its empowering for kids who often feel helpless when they encounter an animal in need but know that their families may be less than thrilled at the burden of care.
Bodega Cats: Purrfect Picture is a cat-filled, heartwarming tale with plenty of relatable material for kids and an earnest lesson about pursuing your dreams. It takes a realistic approach to how a family might struggle when they value different things. Child and adult (and cat) characters show growth. Kids will empathize deeply with Miguel and be delighted at Lolo's antics around the bodega. Recommend!
Book Info
Title: Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)/Macmillan
ISBN: 9781250903747
Author: Hilda Eunice Burgos
Illustrator: Siara Faison
Pub date: July 2024
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