Miguel is a good kid who helps out at his parents' bodega. One day, he finds a cat and convinces his parents to keep him. But Miguel has been keeping things from them, mainly that he really wants to study art and join a new art club at school. They have decided Miguel needs to study math and science and engineering - things that get you a real job. Miguel needs to figure out if he can have it all, and still be true to himself and his family.

Miguel lives with his parents above their neighborhood bodega and works with them every day after school. He finds a stray cat named Lolo and convinces his parents to let him keep him. The real issue comes when Miguel wants to join an after-school art program, which his parents think is a waste of time. This easy-reader chapter book goes back and forth from Miguel’s point of view and Lolo’s.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. The writing is not very fluid and the giant issue between Miguel and his parents re: the art club seems a bit … dramatic? They’re so opposed to art that they refuse to allow him to join a club where the participants make things? As a person who grew up in a household where they wanted better things for their children, I understand Miguel’s parents wanting their child to be an engineer (or another job that pays well/has status), but refusing to allow him to participate in something as benign as an art club? I think that is my issue with the whole story - the concept of the book is a good one, but it isn’t well-fleshed out or well-executed. I think that students will enjoy the beginning reader chapter book aspect of it, especially since every other chapter is from the cat’s perspective. Still, this book did not live up to my expectations of it upon reading the jacket copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Miguel lives in Washington Heights, New York City, where his parents run a bodega. He's not particularly happy; he just had a birthday, and his Mami and Papi got him gifts that reflect their interests, not his own. He thought that by asking for a dog, he might get the art supplies he requested, but they think art is a waste of time. Being an engineer is a much better plan, so they encourage math and science related pursuits. When he plucks and adorable and helpless kitten from the street, his parents let him feed it, and when his great uncle, Tio Diego, encourages them, the cat is allowed to stay at the store. We hear from Lolo as well; life on the streets is hard, and the food and comfort that Miguel provides is very welcome. Lolo is alarmed when Miguel leaves, but is invested in catching mice and "protecting" the bodega. Customers warm to the cat, feeding him small tidbits of their purchases. Miguel really wants to attend the art club at his school, which meets on Tuesdays, but his parents claim they need him to help at the store. His cousin Yesenia encourages him to come, but he can't bring himself to engage in yet another battle with them. Another cat shows up, whom the mother names Preciosa, and Lolo is not pleased with the new interloper. Miguel manages to fool his parents into signing a permission slip which they think is for a robotics club, and goes to art club, where his teacher is pleased with his drawings. We also see some of his comic books included in the story. When there is a field trip to a museum, Miguel again practices some subterfuge; he is supposed to stay with Tio Diego in his apartment, to help out since the older man has broken his arm, but instead he tells Tio he has to go back to the bodega to help. On his way to the museum, with Lolo in tow, he sees Preciosa being menaced by other cats in the park. Preciosa, who is pregnant, is injured, and the art teacher calls the vet. Miguel stays with her until help arrives. Unfortunately, during this time, Tio Diego manages to set his toaster on fire, and while he is safe, Miguel's ruse is uncovered. Will Miguel be able to make his parents see the value of his artistic abilities?
Strengths: This is a great choice for younger middle grade readers who are navigating how to follow their own dreams despite getting pushback from parents. I loved that Miguel had responsibilities in the store even though he was only in fifth grade. His care for Lolo is also nice to see, and Lolo's opinions are expressed in appropriately cat like ways. Seeing Miguel's extended family working together, and his parents both being involved in his life, was refreshing as well. The bodega is an interesting setting to someone from the suburbs, and I could have used more scenes set there. Maybe we'll see that in the sequel, Just Kitten Around, out January 21, 2025.
Weaknesses: Miguel expresses his displeasure in his parents' decision in less than optimal ways, although I was glad to see him working hard and not complaining to try to convince them of the validity of his interests.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed the graphic novels Doodles from the Boogie Down or Art Club, or books narrated in part from a cat's point of view like Eldredge's Nimbus or Lloyd's Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure.

The Bodgea Cat series offers a unique reading experience with viewpoints from both a child and a cat. Miguel is a charming character with a wavering confidence that kids can relate to. The page-turning scenes will keep you guessing while also tugging at your heartstrings. Picture Purrfect helps readers understand why everyone deserves a second chance.

A sweet story in which a stray cat finds a home and a young boy finds his voice. Lolo is a cat out on the streets. He's cold and hungry and faced with the dangers of rival street cats. When Miguel finds him and brings him back to his family's bodega, he never wants to leave again. Miguel loves art and especially loves drawing comics. But his parents discourage this passion and would rather he concentrate on academics. Together, Lolo and Miguel help each other figure out what matters most in life. Young readers will love the alternating POV between cat and boy, punctuated by adorable illustrations in this first book in a series of Bodega Cats books. Can't wait to read the others!

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

This is a lovely, heartwarming story that has broad appeal and blends English and Spanish in an effortless way. The characters are believable and the descriptions and setting bring you right into Washington Heights. It was enjoyable to get the perspective of both the child and the cat in alternating chapters. The illustrations feel just right and the comics interspersed throughout made me smile. Purrfection!

Bodega Cats is a heartwarming story about friendship and family, with the unique perspective of a first-generation child who doesn’t want to disappoint his parents and a cat who finds a new home. The illustrations are extremely cute and match the feel of the story so well.

This is such a timely concept for a book.
It reminded me of Oliver and Company since half the story was told from the cat's perspective (which was confusing.)
I think overall the protagonist's characterization is interesting, but a little stretched out and overly dramatic.
This story would have been better as a picture book.
Regardless, I wish it great success! The ending is very sweet.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Children's for the digital review copy.