The Picture Book of Cats

Imoto's picture book is a boon for cat fanciers of all ages, an international award-winner at Bologna in 1985. The minimal text proves, once again, that one picture is worth a thousand words. The paintings show two mother cats and each kindle of kittens. One family gleams with the gold of marmalade; the other is a company of blue-eyed Siamese. The parents and babies star in the scenes from the birthing through the early days of the kittens' cossetted lives. It's a treat to watch them making up games, tangling with each other, occasionally engaging in semi-fierce fights that end in a draw, snuggling up for naps with the patient mothers. Apparently all happy cat families are also alike. (2up)