The echoes of other versions of this tale gain all the invigorating impact of an original in Barton's capable hands. A wee little woman's wee little cat drinks out of the wee little milk pail and is chased away, returning after a "wee long time" to a tearful reunion and her own wee little bowl. As in his previous books (The Little Red Hen, 1993, etc.), Barton's brightly colored, hypersimple illustrations convey mood and action in ways comprehensible even to wee little viewers; instead of the "gotcha" ending found in tales about teeny tiny women or dark, dark rooms, the repetitive text and sweet ending have a soothing effect. (Picture book. 2-5)
