Minou

This lavishly illustrated story acts as both a guide to the city of Paris, where the story occurs, and as a metaphor about self-reliance. Minou is a pampered Siamese cat whose owner dies suddenly, leaving her totally helpless. Her entry into the real world is doomed until a friendly feline teaches her to stay alive in the city streets. The Place de la Concorde, Seine and Arc de Triomphe are all here, in vibrant watercolor washes, as is Notre Dame, where Minou eventually finds a home. A glossary gives a brief history of these landmarks and the author, executive director of a regional Girls Club of America, has included a list of ways girls can prepare for the future. The call for independence, though somewhat overstated in the text, is one all children can heed. All ages. (May)