No, not this Chester the cat...
...or this Chester the cat... 
Yeah, this one...
Apparently there are a lot of fictional cats out there named Chester. Food for thought.
Back to the point...I felt slightly guilty because the last book was a little dark. So now I have a lighter book for you.
Chester is written and illustrated by Chester the cat, NOT Mélanie Watt (2007). Should you be confused, you need only look at the cover as proof...or the inside flaps…or the copyright page…or the title page…well, let’s face it, Chester tries to commandeer the whole book and make it the way HE wants it.
This postmodern tale subverts the typical picturebook format because it knows it is a book; instead of enticing you to lose yourself in the story, it constantly reminds you that it is just a story. In fact, the author becomes a character herself as she tries to write her story about a mouse, but is constantly interrupted by Chester’s red marker.
Every turn of the page brings something new to the reader. Watt makes sure you are clear about which is Melanie’s voice/story (typeface) and which is Chester’s voice/story (marker writing that goes anywhere and everywhere all over the page).
Oh, and the mouse throws his two cents in there occasionally.
I loved that rather than narrating Chester and telling us about him, we learn about his larger-than-life personality through his actions (and additions to the text). I mean, seriously, I am an adult and I found myself believing in this hilarious cat and wanting to meet him. Thus, I am not kidding when I say that kids and adults of all ages will giggle (or maybe even laugh out loud) at this hilarious interplay between author and character. In the end, Melanie gets her playful revenge on Chester for all of the trouble he has caused.
This would be a great story to teach budding young writers about voice in writing and 'show don't tells' (i.e. creating a scene and/or character through action and dialogue, not description). It would also be fun to read to little guys and gals...they would be curious to find out what Chester will come up with the next turn of the page. Plus, as always, I like when books don't take themselves too seriously.
The artistry in this book is clever. The verso is always a traditional border with text, while the recto is the accompanying cartoon-style illustration. Chester occasionally takes over both sides of the book, but always tries to follow the same pattern. The light, pastel colors of Watts' pencil and watercolor illustrations give a classic picture book feel, while Chester's vivid red marker brings us out of this quaint narrative and reminds us that he is in charge. A perfect twist on a simple tale with animal characters. I can't wait to read the other books in the series, Chester's Back! and Chester's Masterpiece.
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