Cats' Carnival

Set in Venice during Carnival time, this tale is filled with masked celebrations, fantastic costumes and a whirlwind of magical adventures. Marco, the young hero, meets Columbine, a talking cat, who invites him to the Cats' Carnival Ball. Once there, Columbine utters a chant and turns into a costumed little girl, while Marco becomes a tiger. They dance in a colorful and fanciful ballroom until Marco remembers he must get back home. Columbine's next chant puts him right at his door, no longer costumed. The two friends bid one another goodbye until next year. Inside Marco retells the glorious event to his mother, who thinks it is pure foolishness. Her realistic tone is somewhat disappointing, but as a whole the book is beautifully satisfying. Laimgruber's pictures are as wildly colorful as Carnival Time itself. (7-10)