UNDER THE BLACKBERRIES

Sonia and her black cat, Barney, are inseparable; when he suddenly disappears, she's inconsolable—offstage, Dad has explained that Barney was hit by a car. There's a funeral, with neighbors in attendance; Barney (who arrives in a large box) is buried in the garden. Weeks later, Sonia greets a new kitten with uncertainty that's soon dispelled, but Barney is not forgotten. The familiar story here isn't told with any particular insight, and is marred by an egregious Americanization: the friendly little hedgehog in the garden is no porcupine. But Pank's warm, nicely observed pen and watercolor illustrations do capture the nuances of feelings and relationships. Overall, an attractive setting for the theme. (Picture book. 4-8)