If you’ve ever wished you could join a cat on a swashbuckling fairy-tale journey, The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. is your ticket. David Cory takes the classic story we all know and gives it a fresh, younger hero—the son of the famous Puss in Boots.

The Story

Puss in Boots, Jr. is a tiny, clever cat who inherits his dad’s talent for trickery and his signature footwear. The story kicks off when this boot-wearing kitty decides to make his own fortune. He meets a poor miller’s son named Ramon, who’s down on his luck, and figures maybe he can help. Using flattery, fast talk, and a few daring stunts, Junior tricks a grumpy ogre out of his castle, turns a wheat field into a kingdom, and even scores a princess as a reward. Along the way, there are wicked giants, riddle games, and a whole lot of near misses.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up on a whim and was hooked by its playful energy. David Cory writes in that old-timey style where animals talk like courtiers and every plot twist feels both silly and clever. Unlike the original fable, this one feels more like a long Easter egg hunt on steroids. The themes are sweet: family pride, friendship (between a cat and a human), and resourcefulness. The characters are simple yet lovable—Puss is determined but cheerfully manipulative, while Ramon is kind-hearted enough to trust a talking cat.

This is the kind of book that doesn’t try too hard; it just enjoys the ride. Reading it aloud to my kids felt like sharing a secret wink—we all knew the cat was scheming, and we got to laugh along when the ogre fell for it.

Final Verdict

The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. is perfect for new chapter-book readers (maybe ages 6–9), or for anyone who loves fairy tales with a cheeky twist. Fans of The Stinky Cheese Man or Sideways Stories from Wayside School will enjoy the silly action. If you’re a nostalgic adult looking to revisit a simpler, spunkier time in storytelling, this little cat will steal your heart right out of your boots.