Digby and Kate: 2 (Dutton Easy Readers)

Six episodes in the friendship of Digby the dog and Kate the cat, who enjoy each other's company even when they have their differences in such areas as catching a mouse or fixing lunch.

Grade 1-3 Six comfortable tales of two good friends fill this book with easy-to-read material. Digby, a dog, and Kate, a cat, are friends even when the other is a bother. Their friendship is much like that of Marshall's ``George and Martha'' (Houghton). In the stories Digby is so loud that he alerts the mouse that Kate is trying to catch; they share lunch and Digby gets stuck with the dishes; they paint a room; go to the beach; respond to an invitation; and exchange presents. ``The Present'' is sure to be a favorite part of this book as Kate is given a dog bone by her dog friend Digby and Digby receives a red felt mouse from Kate. ``Kate chewed on her new bone. Digby played with his red felt mouse. They were happy together. Because they were wonderful friends.'' That quote aptly summarizes the essence of the book's theme, as well as demonstrates the only problem with the book. Incomplete sentences have crept into it, and early readers do not need poor sentence structure. Other authors such as Lobel, Minarik, Rylant, and Brandenberg have successfully combined easy reading with good literature. The colorful illustrations are cleverly conceived and executed. The mouse's hole is furnished with tiny furniture, and a red mailbox stands at the gate to the path leading to Kate's picturesque cottage. Cozy scenes abound. This book could have been a superstar. Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, Iowa
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Digby is a perky puppy dog and the best friend of Kate, a cute and lively kitten. Despite the purported antipathy of dogs and cats, these two are inseparable. Here they share six lively adventures including Kate's pursuit of a mouse, preparing and serving lunch, painting Digby's house, a game of let's pretend and a proposed visit to Kate's Aunt Hazel. The final story, entitled "The Present," is especially satisfying. After much deliberation, Digby gives Kate his favorite bone, while Kate gives him her favorite felt mouse. Winborn's color illustrations are particularly fine, full of rough-and-tumble details and good humor. The final picture of Digby playing with his new mouse while Kate busily chews on her bone is further evidence that this well-produced book is packed with child appeal. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.