From School Library Journal
YA-These 50 fairy tales, legends, and humorous anecdotes will imbue new respect for felis domesticus in readers who connect the species only with witches, Halloween, and bad luck. The stories illustrate the animals' cunning, mysteriousness, independence, and smugness, and describe their relationships to people and other creatures. There are tales in which felines change shape or transform themselves into humans, or in which they simultaneously inhabit this world and others (``King of the Cats''). Some of the comic adventures may strike today's readers as insensitive or politically incorrect (e.g., ``The Wooden-Legged Cat''). The editor has included the country or culture of origin of each version he has selected, and presents each tale almost unchanged from its source. An afterword provides additional notes for further study. This delightful collection provides sugar and spice, panache, trickery, and enough blood and gore to appeal to just about everyone, cat-lover or not. Excellent for browsing enjoyment and serious study.-Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
