cover image Digby and Kate

Digby and Kate

Barbara Baker. Dutton Books, $9.95 (46pp) ISBN 978-0-525-44370-4

Digby is a perky puppy dog and the best friend of Kate, a cute and lively kitten. Despite the purported antipathy of dogs and cats, these two are inseparable. Here they share six lively adventures including Kate's pursuit of a mouse, preparing and serving lunch, painting Digby's house, a game of let's pretend and a proposed visit to Kate's Aunt Hazel. The final story, entitled ""The Present,'' is especially satisfying. After much deliberation, Digby gives Kate his favorite bone, while Kate gives him her favorite felt mouse. Winborn's color illustrations are particularly fine, full of rough-and-tumble details and good humor. The final picture of Digby playing with his new mouse while Kate busily chews on her bone is further evidence that this well-produced book is packed with child appeal. Ages 4-7. (April)