Reading: JASMINE GREEN RESCUES: A KITTEN CALLED HOLLY - Helen Peters (author), Ellie Snowdon (illustrator)

Prose (Story): In the latest entry in the popular chapter-book series for kids, young Jasmine Green and her best friend Tom, while checking out a broken-down shed on Jasmine's farm as a potential clubhouse, discover a stray/feral cat and her three kittens. When they scare the mom away, who comes back later and only moves two of her three kittens - leaving the little black bundle of fur behind - Jasmine talks her veterinarian mother into letting her and Tom take it in to foster, just in time for the upcoming winter holidays. 

Don's (Review): This is, I believe, book seven in the Jasmine Green series (she fosters a different animal in each book), which I had never heard of before coming across this title. Though set in modern day, the tone of the book, thanks to writer Helen Peters, is very reminiscent of classic children's books like the Little House on the Prairie series; the writing is crisp, not a word wasted so that the story moves along quickly, with equally old-fashioned-looking charcoal or pencil-like illustrations by illustrator Ellie Snowdon that fit so well with the charmingly old-fashioned feel of the story. Better still, Jasmine and her siblings and Tom come off as real kids, who make mistakes and goof up (and wow, do they goof up when some cats get loose near the Christmas decor), and learn to take responsibility when necessary; it's a great read for, I think, early school-age readers to explore and enjoy even on their own. Normally someone who finds "old-fashioned" can often border on "schmaltzy", imagine my surprise when I had a tear or two in my eyes by the end of this fine, very well-done chapter book. Now that's saying something, and I look forward to going back and reading more about Jasmine's other animal rescues now .  4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.