Chester's Back!

A power-hungry cat with a red marker hijacks his own picture book, scribbling over the author's story until she fights back by auditioning other animals to replace him.

For the kid who insists on rewriting bedtime stories their own way, Chester's ego trip will feel awfully familiar.

• Big idea: Sharing the spotlight is hard, even when the story is better for it.
• Vibes: Silly, bickering, meta and mischievous, with a wink at the reader on every page.

• enjoy books that break the fourth wall
• like to argue about who's really in charge
• are working on compromise and sharing control
• love bold, marker-scribbled illustrations

• Story & problem-solving: What does Chester do with his red marker to try to take over the book?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Melanie Watt felt when Chester kept messing with her story?
• Imagination: If you could scribble your own ideas into a book, what would you draw?
• Real-life connection: Have you ever wanted to be in charge of something someone else was making, like Chester does?
• Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Melanie decided to hold an audition to replace Chester?