Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Summary:  As the title suggest, Miss Hazeltine has opened a home for shy and fearful cats, and it’s very popular with pet owners.  Their cats have all kinds of issues from a fear of mice to an inability to pounce, but the one that is scared of everything is Crumb.  He refuses to participate in Bird Basics, Scary Noises, Meeting New Friends, or any of the other trainings Miss Hazeltine offers.  That’s okay with her.  She lets him just sit and watch, and he proves to be a good observer.  One afternoon, when the other cats are sleeping, she goes out for more milk and doesn’t come back.  It’s Crumb who knows just what to do and leads the other cats on a rescue mission.  He alone knows what scares Miss Hazeltine and how to help her overcome her fears and find her way back home.  Upon their return, the cats change the sign on the house to Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Pretty Brave If You Ask Us Cats.

Pros:  Miss Hazeltine’s approach, to allow her cats to proceed at their own pace in overcoming their fears, seems like a very comforting one to cats or children.  Kids will enjoy the cartoonish illustrations and relate to the cats’ difficulties and ultimate success.

Cons:  The cats are a little too bug-eyed to be cute in the classic cat sense.