OLIVER CAT ON PLANET B

Oliver is a can-do sort of cat who moves cheerfully through three short chapters in this mid-level easy reader. In the first story, Oliver and Jane Rabbit try to decide on a mutually acceptable game to play, using a repeating patterned text. In the second, most successful tale, Oliver tries to find a new button, but is offered a variety of other household items instead. He uses the items to build a spaceship and then flies to Planet B, the planet of buttons. In the third, Oliver gives up on fishing after catching three unusually talented fish that he can’t think of eating. Teachers and librarians will find ready uses for the button-themed story, which will pair well with the button story from the Frog and Toad series. The three stories overall are not stellar, but serviceable, as are the author’s bright, simple illustrations. (Easy reader. 6-8)