MY BROTHER NEVER FEEDS THE CAT

All the while that she is raking leaves, walking the dog, carrying groceries, and even playing with friend Lynn, Anna complains to parents, friends, and neighbors that brother Barney doesn't do any work at all. Then the last picture shows Anna curled up on the bed with infant Barney. Some readers will have already suspected the truth about Barney, but it's a lame sort of resolution either way. Ruffins' subdued, dusky colors give Anna's home and neighborhood a tranquil look that's more agreeable than his usual mod frenzy, and Anna's complaints are handled tartly enough. But without more of a backbone, the story collapses.