Book excerpt: Two kittens from ancient Egypt take an unexpected journey to Rome in this new twist on one of Aesop’s most beloved fables Courageous Cleo and couch potato Cornelius live in ancient Egypt, where cats lie around all day, being pampered like gods and goddesses. One day Cornelius accidentally boards a boat headed to the faraway city of Rome, and Cleo sets off on a quest to find him. In Rome, dogs are the ones who are pampered, and cats roam the streets looking for adventure. Free to explore and find fun, Cleo and Cornelius race chariots, play games, perform in a theater, and more. Will they ever return to Egypt? Do they even want to? A spin on Aesop’s classic fable “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,” Cleo and Cornelius is teeming with hungry hippos, toga-clad dogs, and dancing cat mummies, bringing a new twist to a timeless tale. Featuring an engaging seek-and-find feature, the book offers children the chance to hunt for important Egyptian and Roman objects throughout the tale, and fascinating back matter provides additional information about both people and animals in ancient times. Michelle Thies’s colorful, historically accurate yet adorable illustrations breathe new life into Aesop’s story, making it a book that children—and adults—are sure to want to read again and again. Ages three and up