SOLO PLUS ONE

Solo, a ``bad'' cat, especially enjoys breaking eggs and licking them up—until he happens on a duck's egg just as it's hatching. The duckling pursues Solo, assuming he is its mother; Solo finally pushes it into the water with its real mother. Though loosely based on animal behavior, the story isn't very likely—especially Solo's partial reformation as a result of his experience—but it's amusing and economically told, with a satisfying if unusual form of poetic justice. Best are Martland's bold, freely painted illustrations in sunny colors, with Solo announcing his presence in solid black. Children will enjoy identifying with this appealing antihero; a good choice for reading aloud or for dramatic play. (Picture book. 3-8)