BERNARD AND THE CATNIP CAPER

In the naive, matter-of-fact manner of Bernard Sees the World (1967) and Bernard of Scotland Yard (1978), this closer-to-home adventure takes the game little Beacon Hill mouse to a swanboat in Boston Garden to rescue the catnapped Catnip, a docile animal who never strays from home. Bernard's brothers and sisters as well as the household's tough cat Tiger II also go along, in answer to the note demanding a bag of clams as ransom. At the pond there's a run-in with the mean Alley Cats, wherein Bernard and company conduct themselves with requisite bravery. It turns out that Catnip, seeking adventure, has run off, then sent his own ransom note. At the end he's had enough and vows never to leave the house again--but Bernard has a more balanced reaction: ""A little adventure is good--it sharpens one's wits. But most important, it makes us realize how nice a little peace and quiet can be."" A little adventure than, with Bernard's personality to sharpen the pleasure.