Cats Midsummer Jambo

This mandolin-strumming, singing cat has an extraordinary ear for music and a boundless enthusiasm that soon extends to encompass a toad with a harmonica, then a fox with a flute. The felicitous feline proves adept at encouraging each musician to give up a solo career, as the trio soon becomes a country band, with members joining in a lyrical chain reaction. First they form a parade, then climb into tree branches to create their own colorful symphony. The music takes over ``until the world of that place was filled with the happiness that all began with a cat who loved to sing.'' Soft-as-velvet illustrations from two-time Caldecott Medalist Hogrogian seem to spring out of the clean white pages. A diverse collection of wildflowers provides a gentle backdrop for the forest folk. Kherdian's rhapsodic story will make readers and listeners want to reach for an instrument and burst into song. Ages 4 - 8. (Apr.)