AUDREY AND BARBARA

A pragmatic cat and her wildly imaginative owner highlight the give-and-take of friendship in this delectable tale of compromise and companionship. Audrey, a diminutive and determined pigtailed girl reading a book about India, and her orange cat, Barbara, are at odds from the start: " 'Barbara,' asked Audrey, 'how would you like to ride an elephant?' 'Will I have to get off my pillow?' " When the girl seriously suggests that they travel to India, the feline triumphantly reports that an ocean stands in their way. Audrey then announces they'll swim (and promptly appears, head wrapped in a turban, wearing an innertube and flippers), while her pet suggests various obstacles and a preference for napping—thus continuing the comically curt repartee. Debut author/illustrator Lawson extends the humor with watercolor illustrations, in which sunny pastels serve as backdrops for entertaining cartoon-like images. When Audrey turns a clawfoot tub into a boat and whips the quilt off her bed to use as a sail, she sends an apoplectic, bushy-tailed Barbara sailing through the air. A fine black line helps define such details as Audrey's pencil-thin legs and overly large head and Barbara's droll expressions. Lawson deftly nails down cat moves and behavior: the pet seeks refuge in a bureau drawer and her ears flatten at the mention of a snake charmer. The quaintly sentimental ending gently reminds readers that although friends can infuriate and stymie, they are best at restoring hope. Ages 4-7. (May)