At first, a door left open in her home spells opportunity for a large, contented tabby cat, and indeed the world outside is full of wonders: teasing grasses, soft moss, and odiferous flowers. But as Nini wanders further from home and day turns to night, the outside world turns threatening, with strange noises and unfamiliar animals. Nini cowers in the hollow at the base of a tree, afraid to move, until her owners come looking for her with a flashlight. Anita Lobel’s luminous gouache and watercolor illustrations show wondrous details of the outside world, both beautiful and frightening. They also show that Nini hadn’t wandered very far from home, and the text ends with the suggestion that Nini might venture out again one day. (Ages 3–6)

A simple—and simply beautiful—story for young cat lovers.

One beautiful autumn day, Nini, a little tabby cat, sees that the door is open. The garden and nearby woods seem to beckon her to explore. Nini thinks the great outdoors is really, really, really nice . . . until night falls and strange animals begin sniffing and hooting and lurking about. Suddenly there is no place like home. This warm and reassuring picture book speaks to children whose curiosity has tempted them to “run away” from home. Caldecott Honor Book artist Anita Lobel’s illustrations have never been more beautiful. Endearing portraits of her own beloved Nini cat in a lush autumnal setting will gladden the hearts of cat lovers of all ages.