cover image Summer House Cat

Summer House Cat

Michele Granger. Dutton Books, $11.95 (116pp) ISBN 978-0-525-44488-6

Eight-year-old Charlotte is overjoyed to find Annie, a stray ``little yellow cat,'' while she and her family are on vacation, but indignant when her parents--especially her father--won't let her take the cat home with them when vacation ends. ``I want this cat, Tessa wants this cat and Mom wants this cat. You're the only one who doesn't. I don't think you even like cats at all,'' Charlotte complains. Luckily, her father is eventually outvoted--but then, at the last minute, Annie disappears. Only by a fluke is she recovered and Charlotte able to enjoy her victory. Though a clear and simple writer who manages plot neatly, Granger, in her first book, shows a poor ear for dialogue, which limits her ability to build character and dramatic momentum. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 7-10. (May)