SCRATCHY

by John Parke '39. Morrow 7951. 126 pp. $2.00.

This is a pleasant, well-constructed "cat's eye" story of a cat. Scratchy lives in the city but is a country cat at heart. He has a recurring dream in which he dwells in a sort of cat Utopia. There he may always have IN and OUT whenever he desires and there are always fish and other delectable morsels by his side. He finally leaves home and wanders to a fish pier where he remains (because the smell is so intriguing and the fish heads so delicious) until a fisherman takes him home. We find Scratchy difficult and cross in his city home where he is unhappy, but pleasant and agreeable on Dirigo Island, where he has everything he desires, including an IN door and an OUT door which he can manipulate himself.

The author evidently knows and likes cats for there is a sympathetic feeling throughout the story. The enumeration of the things that Scratchy likes about his new home are delightful. For example: "a strong suggestion of mouse by the cellar door;" and, "a darkish corner near the stove, with an old low rocking chair that smelled of the fisherman." The format is attractive, and the print good and large. Charles L. Ripper's illustrations in black and white are splendid.

"Scratchy" should make an ideal gift for 7-10 year old cat lovers and it fills a crying need. There is a dearth of good story books for children at this reading level.

Children's Librarian, Howe Library, Hanover