Stephen Michael King is an author-illustrator building an impressive reputation for sensitive, joyful books about the differences in people.  His recent books Henry and Amy, Emily loves to bounce and Where does Thursday go? have delighted young readers with their tales of  people who want to look at life in their own ways.

Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat tells of Milli who can fix things.  She could make something out of any old thing that the townsfolk discarded, or mend their boots or tools.  But, as all they ever wanted were sensible things, Milli has to keep her dreams of something special to herself.

But when two travelling vagabonds, Jack and the Cat, offer to pay for their new boots with dancing lessons, Milli discovers that all her imagination can come alive.  So she builds and sews and creates all the wonderful surprises that she had kept inside herself.  And the town notices ….

This is a magical, delightful story of being honest with yourself.  The lightness of King’s line and wash illustrations carry the story beautifully.  They are the focus of the story-telling, with the text wandering in and around the pictures in support.  Milli’s assertion of her independence is such a natural step that this never feels like a “message” book – it is a simple expression of the joy of living 

Steven Michael King has another winner in Milli to add to his impressive list of outstanding picture books

Review by David Beagley

© 2003 David Beagley