“A child writes letters to a new kitten. ‘Dear stray,’ they begin; each letter reveals details about their developing relationship and the protagonist’s uphill path to emotional growth. . . . With mismatched socks, tangled hair, and a persistent scowl, the child is a mirror of the kitten, who has their hackles raised and claws out. . . . But as the kitten starts to settle in, the child, too, finds a way to calm the inner storm. . . . The child and kitten are still plenty spiky but also soothed by the joy of belonging to each other. Tender and earnest, this sweet story will speak to any reader who has ever felt like an angry kitten. Saturated watercolors and forceful brush strokes expressively capture the child and the kitten in motion. . . . A touching tale about two prickly pals who find a way to be soft together.” —Kirkus Reviews