CAT POEMS

Cat Poems will be a pleasure for both cat-lovers and poetry lovers, its picture-book format makes it accessible for younger as well as middle-grade children. Most of the poems here are from well-known children's poets, such as Eve Merriam, Eleanor Farjeon and X.J. Kennedy. And, of course, no book of cat poems would be complete without a selection from T.S. Eliot's ""Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats""; this one includes ""The Song of the Jellicles."" The many moods include affection, amusement, and the sorrow felt when a cat is lost. Hyman has done her usual fine job of illustration. These black-and-white sketches with red-brown highlights reflect the poems' tone; they also suggest many hours spent doing cat portraits. The scruffy arrogance of the alley cats, the smug beauty of the angora, and the comfortable homeliness of the pet are all depicted with humor and vigor. Though primarily a poetry book, this would also be appropriate to picture-book collections, would make a nice Christmas present for adult cat-lovers, and should be stocked by Bertha's Kitty Boutique.