SNAKES DON'T MISS THEIR MOTHERS

What do a retired race dog, a king snake, a one-eyed Siamese and a friendly yellow Lab have in common? All are abandoned or lost pets who have landed at Critters, an animal shelter in the Hamptons (N.Y.), run by the compassionate Mrs. Splinter. Offering both animal, reptilian and human points of view, Kerr's (Slap Your Sides ) light novel mixes some poignant moments with slapstick comedy. As Christmas approaches, Placido the cat gets adopted, and Catherine the greyhound goes home with a volunteer for the holidays. Soon after, Labrador Rex (alias Goldie) runs off from the shelter, not knowing that his beloved missing family is coming to fetch him. The furry friends find themselves in some dangerous predicaments (Placido falls into the ocean and the evil dogcatcher almost gets his paws on Rex), but things end well for all, including the brooding, left-behind snake, who is sure no human being will ever want him for a pet. The book's frequent shifts in focus and complicated web of subplots may overwhelm some youngsters. Even so, the members of Kerr's imaginative menagerie are sure to wiggle, wag and worm their way into readers' hearts. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)