Abstract
Reviewed by: Meow: Cat Stories from Around the World Hope Morrison Yolen, Jane , comp. Meow: Cat Stories from Around the World; illus. by Hala Wittwer. HarperCollins, 200540p Library ed. ISBN 0-06-029162-1$17.89 Trade ed. ISBN 0-06-029161-3$16.99 Ad Gr. 2-5 This collection of eleven cat stories draws upon resources both familiar and new, from Aesop's fables to Arabian folklore, from Native American legend to familiar idioms worldwide. Each selection is brief (no more than three pages of double-spaced text) and is related in straightforward prose, making this useful both as a readaloud and readalone. Several of the stories offer explanations for key cat characteristics (Why do they hate mice? Why do they always land on their feet?) while others simply feature kitties in starring roles. Wittwer's slick and glossy illustrations too often resort to the cutesy (mice especially fall victim), but they are generally successful in capturing the sly, often seductive expressions of the feline characters. The occasional inclusion of cultural details (Tibetan woodwork, Middle Eastern architecture) adds further interest. The retelling style is somewhat spare and perfunctory, but there is definite topical appeal here, and the rainbow-eyed cast of cats looking out from the cover illustration will lure young patrons seeking a new kitty book. A list of selected reading offers information on print variants for some tales. Copyright © 2005 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
Published Version
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