Rebecca Joseph (Children's Literature)
In this delightful companion to the classic, Chato's Kitchen, Soto reintroduces young readers to Chato, the coolest cat in the barrio. Chato loves birthday parties, unlike his friend Novio Boy who claims birthday parties remind him that he is an orphan. Determined to make Novio Boy feel wanted, Chato organizes a spectacular birthday party for his friend and involves his entire neighborhood. Unfortunately, he forgets to invite Novio Boy, leading to an unexpected, yet delightful climax. Accompanied by vibrant paintings, this story is not only an instant classic but is also a critical addition to children's literature that focuses on Latino communities. 2000, Putnam Pub Group, $15.99. Ages 3 to 8.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2000 (Vol. 68, No. 12))
Chato, Novio Boy, Chorizo, and the mouse family next door in the animal barrio of "Chato's Kitchen "(1995) are back. This time, Chato throws a surprise birthday party to help cheer up Novio Boy, who tearfully confesses that he grew up in a pound and has never been given a party. Chato's oversight is that he forgets to invite his "carnal "(brother). But all ends well, and the "pachanga" (festive party) lasted until the sun went down, the moon came up, and the neighbors started throwing shoes at them to stop the racket." Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text are defined in a glossary that precedes the story. Guevara's rich acrylic-on-scratchboard paintings steal the show, bringing to life the vibrant neighborhood, two rollicking parties, the "mercado "(market) where Chato shops, and the personalities of the main characters. While Novio Boy has never known his mother, a cat in a red dress, with breasts, a golden halo, and white wings appears as his guardian angel throughout. And when Novio Boy acknowledges the revelers as "mi familia "(my family), he is holding a Mexican tree of life that pictures all his friends. Guevara's art spreads across and bleeds off the double pages with humor, action, and a pleasing variety of perspectives. Here is a party that all will enjoy. 2000, Putnam, $15.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 5 to 8. © 2000 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2001)
Chato and Novio Boy, those two cool cats from Chato's Kitchen, are back for another adventure in el barrio. Chato decides to throw a pachanga for his pal but forgets to invite the birthday cat. The lively text, sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases, is well matched by the energetic art filled with details that help establish the setting and extend the humor. Glos. Category: Picture Books. 2000, Putnam, 32pp, $15.99. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Tracey Garcia (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 2))
The illustrations in this book are packed full of detail. The reader really needs to take the time to carefully examine each page and the intricacies of each painting. The story itself seems to come alive. While it could be enjoyed by anyone, it would be especially enjoyable for readers who have a Hispanic heritage or exposure to the Hispanic culture. For someone with this background, the characters actually speak, and you can hear their voices as you read. The story itself, that of a friend caring enough to throw a birthday party for his best pal who has never had one, is quite sweet. Fiction. Grades 3-6. 2000, Putnam, Unpaged, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12.