WINDOWS WITH BIRDS

Cat lives in a house “that [has] windows with birds, / twenty-six stairs, / twenty- hiding places, and / one foolish mouse in the basement.” Cat loves the boy who shares the house and often waits in a sunbeam for him. One day the boy zips Cat into his coat and takes him away to a new place. All Cat does is hide. No amount of calling or water or treats or toys gets him to leave his good hiding places. At night he yowls to be taken home. Then, after a snuggle with boy in bed, Cat wakes up to see—windows with birds. He finds “five perfect hiding places, / [and] a promising new fish” and waits for the boy in a sunbeam. Prolific author/illustrator Ritz has captured the cat mind and in beautiful, realistic watercolors created spot-on bibliotherapy for worried young cat lovers who have recently moved (or who are unhappy themselves with a recent move). Touching, unique and wise, a perfectly pitched tale of acceptance of the inevitable changes of life. (Picture book. 4-8)