A tale of two cats

Translated from the Hebrew, this seaside story presents the rhyming, fable-like tale of a disagreement between two vain cats. While playfully wrestling, one cat--"black as tar"--and another--"white as whitewash"--debate who is prettier until finally the rift causes the playmates to part ways: "It was a rather nasty spat,/ For each was quite a stubborn cat." Eventually, the dapper kitties begin to worry that the other is truly the handsomer, and with actual tar and whitewash, each paints itself the opposite color. Both irritated by their foolishness ("Meow-ow! Ow ow!"), the two cleanse themselves in the sea and, emerging as friends once more, declare that they are loveliest when they're together. Elkanati's delicate line drawings are colored with blue, orange, and tan, and create a festive backdrop for the narcissistic felines, whose amusing story may offer fodder for conversation. Ages 6--8. (Sept.)

Who is handsomer, the white cat or the black cat?In a waterfront vacation spot with outdoor cafes for tourists as the setting, two cats appear who are good friends. The black cat is "black as tar," while the white cat is "white as whitewash." Each then claims to be the better-looking one, resulting in a petty quarrel and a parting of the ways. But then each cat is filled with doubt. Maybe the disputed claims are correct and the other cat is truly more handsome. The cats then come up with a solution to the quandary, the white cat immersing itself in tar while the black cat whitewashes itself. This is in no way a resolution, of course, and it's achieved with the obvious difficulties of maintaining the new colorations. Back to their original states they go, sharing a rekindling of their camaraderie over drinks and a resounding "Meow!" The story, translated into rhyming couplets from Hebrew, is told in cartoon panels with line drawings and people presenting in shades of white, orange, and blue. Readers may be left with questions. Is this simply an entertaining story about irksome quarreling, or is there a deeper issue that can be applied to humankind? The cats are mute on that.This silly tale of two cats of two colors finding both self and joint happiness may well provoke conversations. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.