Cat and Dog

From Publishers Weekly Cat and dog don't see eye to eye. While cat walks "pitter-pat" down the garden, "tip-toe along" the wall and "tall-tail" between the bottles, dog runs "snip-snap" around the corner, between the bottles and down the alley. The showdown comes at a spot with the pastry shop on one side and the toy shop and cafe on the other. This is an original chapter in the never-ending chase drama. The action-adventure includes Scruton's flying objectsa bird, a ladybug, a bee and a red-and-yellow bug with a suitcase and umbrella. Some of the minor characters are mice, toys, worms and people, all portrayed in gumball colors; Lloyd's text has the fizz of a fresh bottle of pop. Scruton also illustrated a companion volume by Sally Grindley, Four Black Puppies. Ages 2-6. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 1 Scruton's lively pastel watercolors are the best thing about this bookin fact, the book would succeed as a wordless story. Unfortunately, an inane text spoils the package. The pleasing format, well-geared to young children (large print, few words per page, detailed illustrations) is lost when reading aloud the simple story of a dog-cat chase. Collections that desperately need material for very young children might consider this on the strength of the illustrations, but they would do better to purchase similar books by authors such as Eve Rice, Byron Barton, and Pat Hutchins, to name a few authors whose story line is far more literate. Barbara S. McGinn, Oak Hill Elementary School, Severna Park, Md.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.