Painter's Cat

In imagining the story behind Lorenzo Lotto's 16th-century painting The Annunciation , Wooding ( Arthur's Christmas Wish ) has imbued her latest picture book with the spirit of Renaissance Italy. Tabby cat Micio is beginning to feel neglected as his master toils night and day over a painting. When three ``terrible strangers''--a woman in red, a bearded man and a ``monster with wings''--appear at the door and receive Lorenzo's devoted attention and hospitality, Micio flees, hurt and hungry. Survival on the streets of Venice proves difficult and it is not too long before Micio pads home to discover his own likeness in Lorenzo's painting. Evocative artwork, portrayed in rich reds and warm earths, surpasses the lackluster text. The narrative meanders, wooden in its imagery (``The painter lay asleep . . . pictures piled about him and half covering his face, like a paper blanket'') and overstuffed with exclamations (``Refreshment? REFRESHMENT! This was too much!''). The understated but dramatic artwork can speak for itself. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)