Mister Got To Go and Arnie

Irene Punt is a published author and elementary-school teacher in
Calgary, Alberta.

Lois Simmie and Cynthia Nugent team up again to create a sequel to their
successful picture book, Mister Got To Go: The Cat That Wouldn’t Leave
(1995). This time, Mr. Got To Go, the large gray cat that lives at the
Sylvia Hotel is miffed when Arnie, a small, yappy dog invades his
territory.

Arnie creates havoc in and out of the hotel. He jumps out a window from
the eighth floor, gets a rollerblader tangled in his leash, and falls
into a sewer hole. Got To Go can no longer nap peacefully on the
windowsill or brush his whiskers against Mr. Foster’s toothbrush. As
the cat misses his routine, the customers at the Sylvia Hotel miss him.
Then, Madame La Tour arrives at the hotel. She and her little dog fall
in love with Arnie, and when they leave, they take Arnie with them.

Cynthia Nugent’s illustrations are the strength of this book. They
are bright and lively, perfectly capturing the mood and beauty of
Vancouver’s English Bay and seawall. The storyline, though enjoyable,
lacks zest and is somewhat predictable. Recommended with reservations.