Book Beat: Joyce Carol Oates

By Kimberly Baldwin

In their third picture-book collaboration, acclaimed author and Princeton University professor Joyce Carol Oates and artist Mark Graham introduce Naughty Chérie, the cutest -- but most mischievous -- kitten in the litter. Chérie tries, but just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Sitting alone in the corner as punishment, she finds a small crack in the wall that leads to a place called Little Friends Kindercare. After seeing the truly naughty behavior of the other baby animals in Kindercare, little Chérie returns home a changed kitten. This lovable tale delivers a valuable message and is the perfect bedtime story for the 4 to 8 set.

Joyce Carol Oates is currently on tour promoting The Journal of Joyce Carol Oates, the fascinating and significant record of her life between 1973 and 1982. Meet her at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15 at the Barnes & Noble, Tribeca, NYC.