WHAT IF?

In the late 50's and the 60's, Minarik performed an enormous service to children's literature by writing the Little Bear books, masterpieces that demonstrated that books for beginning readers could have charm, wit, insight into human nature, and poetic cadence that gracefully represented real speech. Now, after a long silence, she presents a very brief story about two kittens tossed out into the snow because they will not stop climbing the Christmas tree. They ask each other "What if. . .we had a tree of our own. . .and. . .picked a star for its top?. . .and. . .trimmed it. . .with ice mice and icicles!" The "What ifs" continue with an imaginary journey up and down the tree to end back in the snow, scratching on the door—and being let back into the house, all apparently forgiven. There's a nice kernel of truth in this simple fantasy, enlivened by Graham's ebullient watercolors, which recall her illustrations for the perennially popular Harry, the Dirty Dog. Not important, but it should provide some chuckles when shared with the youngest.