Fred

Simmonds, a popular British cartoonist, uses a comic-strip format to relate the unusual events that occur the night Sophie and Nick bury their beloved cat. ""Poor old Fred'' had a lively secret life, as they learn when scores of neighborhood animals gather, in funeral attire, to eulogize the cat they called ``Famous Fred.'' The children discover that each night after Mom let Fred out, he would take to the stage and sing ``Meeyowley-yowley-yowl!'' with his band, the Heavy Saucers. Now, after the mourners pay their respects, theyand the childreneat and drink and sing and dance, in a glorious fitting tribute to their dear departed Fred. This is an offbeat book, with droll humor and silly good fun in both dialogue and illustrations (the top-hatted feline mourners are a particular treat). At the same time, it bears witness to the comfort to be had through the sharing of sorrow and reminiscence. Ages 5-up. (October)