CAT POWER!

Either a companion or counterpoint to Dogs Rule! (2003), these 18 poems celebrate the lovable quirks, reproach the annoying traits and acknowledge the different personalities of all kinds of cats. From historic to contemporary times, the first-person—make that first-cat—voices pulse with typical feline authority and superiority—e.g., one stanza from Butterflies: “My paw springs up, my claws a rake, / but swiping just for swiping sake; / my hunting skills, as sharp as nails, / I’ll save for crickets, ants, and snails.” The full-bleed illustrations are strikingly realistic, especially the cats’ eyes and fur texture. Covering the dreaded litter box, balls-of-string adventures, the scratching post and the dead-bird gift, there are purrs aplenty here for cat lovers. (CD) (Picture book/poetry. 4-8)