The Baby Blue Cat and the Dirty Dog Brothers

Although the other kittens prefer proper cat games, there is nothing Baby Blue Cat loves more than romping with the gloriously grimy Dog Brothers (whose coats are so filthy they are virtually indistinguishable). After a day with the two Dogs, Baby Blue Cat is a sight, and Mama Cat orders a bath. The Dogs decide to follow suittheir first baths yield impressive results indeed. Baby Blue Cat walks the proud, now-spanking pair homewhere all three find a mud puddle that beckons irresistibly. Pryor's first book displays a childlike sensibility; the animals' exuberance in their play, their delight in the textures and feel of dust and mud, and their utter unconcern with the results are portrayed with humor and charm in black-line illustrations washed in cottonball-colored blues and pinks. A breezy debut. Ages 3-8. (October)