High-Wire Henry

Sibling rivalry is not restricted to humans, or even siblings, as Calhoun tells her story about the cat who is displaced when a puppy is introduced to the family. (``When The Man brought a puppy in, Henry went out . . . and stayed out.'') Through the window, the aggrieved Siamese watches as The Kid and The Woman join The Man playing with the tiny newcomer. Ingraham's muted illustrations are soft and clear, and fill the borderless pages with tender scenes of summer. His appealing, expressive animals are the real stars, however, and they are amusingly aided by Calhoun's acute sounds (``Yeef,'' ``Warf,'' ``Yow yowie meowl''). Henry is so desperate to regain the attention of his family that he becomes a high-wire performer, first on the fence and then on the clothesline and telephone wire. But it is not until he saves the pup from a high ledge that he feels like part of the family again. Ages 5-up. (Apr.)