Mélanie Watt’s notori0usly timid Scaredy Squirrel has become a huge hit with younger readers, spawning merchandise and even a television show. Chester, another of Watt’s creations, is in many ways the exact opposite of the fearful rodent. He’s a large orange cat who is rude, overconfident, and loves to be in the spotlight – so much so that he refuses to go along with any story Watt tries to put him in.

This is the third book featuring Chester, and it follows roughly the same format as the first two: armed with a large red marker, Chester interrupts Watt’s attempts to get on with writing her book, and a war of words and pictures ensues between author and feline, right before our eyes. This time, Chester has hidden Watt’s computer mouse and paints, and assumes complete control of the book, interfering even with the copyright and title page. Watt’s only recourse is to leave yellow sticky notes that threaten, cajole, and plead with her cat to return her things. The mouse who appears in the first two books also shows up, adding his own commentary to the battle of wills.

Chester soon discovers that writing an original story is not as easy as it looks. After several false starts, both he and his magic marker begin to falter, and Watt once again gets the upper hand. (However, Chester, as always, gets the last laugh.)

The similarity in tone and presentation among the three books risks weariness, but Watt manages to keep things fresh. The back and forth conversation between character and creator, along with the visual and verbal energy Watt brings to every project she undertakes, keeps us glued to the page. Chester may not pull at the heartstrings the way Scaredy does, but he is just as charming in his own (rude) way.