Cat and Kit - Hardcover

Not only ailurophiles will be touched by this affectionate portrait of a mature feline and a young foundling. A country-dwelling Cat, wise to the ways of the woods, fields and farm, one day discovers "a sad sight: one small Kit." Cat presents Kit to a farmer for tending, and later teaches his charge to forage for food. But when Farmer gives Kit to his grandson in the city ("no woods, no fields, no farm, no mice, no rats, no rabbits"), the little critter's "sad eyes" tell of his homesickness. The grandson returns Kit to the wild, where boy and Cat realize that "we must both let him go." Koralek (The Cobweb Curtain) adroitly captures these animals' activities and feelings; with its judicious repetitions ("Cat watched the wild and hunted for his food and protected his own" becomes a telling leitmotif) and occasionally fragmented sentences, her writing carries a poetic sensibility. MacCarthy's (17 Kings and 42 Elephants) trademark batik-like illustrations are an inspired complement, their lustrous colors and close-up perspectives depicting a wide range of emotions. A collaboration brimming with grace and charm. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kindergarten-Grade 1?Interesting, unusual, dark watercolors with what looks like white ink added for detail adorn this lovely but not altogether successful picture book. Cat is a wild orange tabby who "watched the wild and hunted for his food and protected his own." But one day when he meets a small, lost, and terrified black-and-white kitten, he carries it to a farmer friend. The man cares for the kitten, and then presents it as a gift to his city grandson. In a completely unrealistic conclusion, Kit is unhappy with the love and comfort offered by the boy and a home. He wants to return to the wild and Cat. Although the relationship between the two cats is plausible, for any young, domestic kitten to prefer a life in the wild where danger and hunger are constant companions to a warm and comfortable life in someone's home is not. But the beautiful illustrations and friendship theme make this a worthwhile purchase despite any disagreement about the ending.?Jan Shepherd Ross, Dixie Elementary Magnet School, Lexington, KY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.