Chicago and the Cat: 2a Little Chapter Book

When a boisterous cat descends on Chicago's house one winter night (``Gangway, coming through!''), the timid rabbit is flabbergasted. She gives her pushy visitor food and shelter, but adds, ``Tomorrow morning you must be on your way.'' However, as the cat demonstrates her ability to cook and Chicago begins to enjoy her company, the two gradually become friends. This early chapter book's upbeat text features terse, humorous dialogue between these two endearing but decidedly different characters. When Chicago uses fish fertilizer in her garden, the resultant mess causes her to ask, ``What happened to my garden?'' `` `It was delicious,' said the cat. `A little gritty, but no bones.' '' Waggish watercolors--depicting a maximum of expressions with a seeming minimum of effort--lend charm and warmth to this breezy, unaffected tale. Ages 5-8. (Feb.)