TABITHA

A beautifully written and produced early "chapter book" by a well-known British novelist—strong on style but weak on content. The events in Tabitha's life are ordinary and without much drama, although considerable humor is derived from her point of view as a kitten who misinterprets the behavior of the "two-footers" (people)—e.g., "they had squealed with excitement when Tabitha showed them how to eat a raw lamb chop." She spends some days stalking the other kitten that appears in mirrors; saves a dimwitted guinea pig from another cat; and eventually produces kittens of her own. Fox-Davies' full color illustrations—many beautifully composed full pages plus frequent, charming vignettes—are outstanding for their humor, precise observation, and carefully detailed execution. A satisfying read-aloud or young reader for animal lovers.