Kat and Juju

Product Description An unlikely duo star in a charming story about being different, finding courage, and the importance of friendship in the first book in a new series from an award-winning animation director. Kat likes doing things her very own way, but sometimes she doubts herself. So when a bird named Juju arrives, Kat hopes he’ll be the best friend she’s always wanted. He’s outgoing and silly and doesn’t worry about what others think―the opposite of who she is. Bit by bit, with Juju’s help, Kat discovers her strength, and how to have a friend and be one―while still being true to herself. Review “This debut gently encourages personal growth while reinforcing the value of being different.” ―Kirkus Reviews “Vahdani’s illustrations use a selective palette with reds and light blues, vivid against the muted shades of grey, with bobble-headed large-eyed characters and cinematic changes in angles and perspective…A sweet if somewhat scattered tale of embracing one’s uniqueness, its message of challenging insecurities and forming friendships at once important yet haphazardly developed.” ―School Library Journal About the Author Kataneh Vahdani is a director, storyteller, professor, and mama bird. She was born in Iran but came to the United States in pursuit of her dream: to have a voice and be free. After receiving a degree in mathematics, she enrolled at California Institute of the Arts, spending seven years studying animation and earning her master’s degree. She later continued her education in Paris, France. Kataneh’s animated films have been screened at many festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and the New York International Film Festival, where she was named Best Director of Animated Shorts. She worked for many years in the story department at Walt Disney Animation Studios and also taught story, design, and animation at CalArts and College of the Canyons. Kataneh is currently directing an animated feature. This is her first picture book. Follow her at @katanehv on Twitter.