Cat-alog I: Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story

If you've ever had a lovely and loving cat or a haughty and ungrateful cat (or likely both, in the person of the same feline), you'll get a chuckle out of Sam Lloyd's new book,
Mr. Pusskins. In Lloyd's distinctive illustrations, Pusskins is rather a bit of a sourpuss who has nothing but contempt for his doting owner, a clueless girl who lovingly cares for ol' Puss despite his obvious disdain for her kind ministrations. While Emily whispers sweet nothings in his tufted ears, blase' Mr. Pusskins sniffs "Oh, blah, de blah blah blah!"

Unable to take any more of this soporific smarm, Pusskins takes it on the lam, hooking up with a pride of ruffians called the "Pesky Cat Gang." At first he has "such naughty fun," that he misses Emily not a whisker, but as the weather turns wet and chilly, Pusskins begins to regret his hasty departure. As he hits rock bottom, cold and alone, he happens to snag a handbill blowing in the wind. It's a lost cat poster, penned by none other than Emily, with a picture of Pusskins and a plea to call with information leading to his return. Shamefully, the repentant Pusskins dials from a public booth, and when he hears Emily's dear voice, wails a mournful "Me-e-e-ow!" into the mouthpiece.

While Pusskins awaits the hoped-for rescue from Emily, he recalls that "he was never nice to her" and vows to make amends if only he is given the chance. Apparently Emily has more on the ball than Puss thought, for, having obviously managed to trace his call and commandeer a car, she soon zips by. "My beautiful Mr. Pusskins, I didn't recognize you," Emily gushes, as she finally scoops the thin, bedraggled prodigal up, and the two are reunited in what is--at last--a story of requited love.

Anyone who knows cats know that they like to be in control of the relationship, so to speak, and Sam Lloyd's depictions of Mr. Pusskin's body language convey that aspect of feline friendship purr-fectly. (Sorry about that; couldn't resist the pun.)