CATWINGS

A charming, if insubstantial, little story about the setting out into the world of four alley kittens who were born with wings—perhaps "their father was a fly-by-night" Once they begin to fly, their mother (Mrs. Jane Tabby)—because she realizes that the neighborhood is "terrible. . .and getting worse," and because she is making her own plans with Mr. Tom Jones, who has proposed—sends them out to seek their fortune. They discover a lovely rural area; and after an adventure with an owl, they settle down where two children are wise enough to feed them without threatening their independence—thus obviating the danger of the kittens' upsetting the natural balance by taking unfair advantage of their wings. Although there is nothing extraordinary here in either theme or event, the wit and precision with which the story is told give it considerable appeal. Schindler's exquisitely detailed drawings, warmed with the softest of added color, make a perfect accompaniment to what should serve as a satisfying young reader or as a read-aloud.