OLD TOM’S HOLIDAY

Old Tom is not the most congenial or mannerly cat, but his owner Angela Throgmorton loves him dearly. Even she will admit, however, that he’s been a bit of a pill lately. When she wins a vacation for one, Angela is pleased to inform Tom that he must stay home. She suggests he clean his room. At first, Angela is quite happy to be out in the world on her own, but she soon begins to see reminders of her old tomcat everywhere. Well, Tom is a crafty old puss, and he has stowed away in her luggage. He follows her everywhere, staying barely out of sight. Just when Angela misses him so much she can no longer take it, Old Tom drops off the chandelier and into her lap. He hasn’t improved much, but he’s her Old Tom. Old Tom has been around for at least a decade in his native Australia; he even has his own TV show. Hobbs’s pen, gouache, and acrylic illustrations are a John Callahan–esque riot; readers will enjoy finding the telltale signs of Old Tom in each spread. Fans as well as newcomers to the series will love this slightly rude but lovable cat and his sweet but dim owner. (Picture book. 3-9)