Pebbles the cat is an excellent breakfast chef, contends the girl narrator of this comical word-to-the-wise. "Sometimes there's cat hair in my eggs," she admits, as her fuzzy feline gives her an apologetic look. On the other hand, Pebbles makes great oatmeal (she "loves putting milk in things"), and muffin-baking affords her a chance to nap next to a warm oven. Trouble is, even gourmet cats misunderstand human palates; Pebbles thoughtfully sneaks an anchovy into a homemade peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. First-time author Harris makes the most of a one-joke premise by celebrating Pebbles's improvisational ability ("She had to use her paws to spread the peanut butter and jelly because she can't hold a knife"). The slim plot gets a boost from Tilley (Riddle-icious), who envisions the narrator writing this mini-manifesto in her diary. In the antic watercolor illustrations, plump Pebbles exudes grandmotherly warmth with her frizz of staticky golden fur and her ruffled, heart-covered apron. Yet readers are bound to heed the title's earnest advice. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
PreSchool-K-Pebbles the cat makes breakfasts that are all right, like scrambled eggs and bacon, muffins, or oatmeal. (The eggs in the three full-page illustrations are actually fried.) However, lunches are a problem, for the cat thinks mouse sandwiches or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with an anchovy are tasty treats, and none of the child's friends will take a chance and trade with her. That's why the youngster warns readers, "Never let your cat make lunch for you." Young listeners may find this premise amusing, but the story is slight. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons are more successful. They convey the funniest aspects of the book, such as the cat's obvious enthusiasm for preparing meals, such as spreading peanut butter with her paws. Another amusing picture is the cat eyeing her masterpiece, the mouse sandwich. A nonessential bit of fluff.
Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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