BOOK PICKS.

Byline: The Register-Guard

"Catwings"

By Ursula Le Guin; illustrations by S.D. Schindler

Orchard Books, 1988

Ages 6 to 9

Mrs. Jane Tabby does not know why her four kittens are born with wings. She thinks it might be because she had a dream, before they were born, that she could fly away from the city slum where she lives. The day a hungry dog corners little Harriet in an alley and she barely escapes by flying out of reach, Mrs. Tabby understands. Her children have wings so they can leave.

Mrs. Tabby herself no longer wants to leave. She has accepted Mr. Tom Jones' proposal and plans to start a new family, but the kittens must escape. The kittens understand the ways of cat families, so they tearfully say goodbye to their mother and fly away. On their way to finding a safe and loving home in the country, they find adventure and danger.

Fortunately, as you will want to know more about the Flying Tabbies, their adventures continue in three sequels: "Catwings Return," "Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings" and "Jane on Her Own, a Catwings Tale." Each of the small-format books, at only 40 pages, is a jewel. They are enhanced by the charming illustrations of S.D. Schindler.

The "Catwings" books are written by distinguished Oregon writer Ursula Le Guin. She is also the author of "The Earthsea Trilogy" for older children, as well as many books for adults, including "The Lathe of Heaven," which was this year's selection for Readin' in the Rain, Eugene-Springfield's community reading festival.

- Barbara Thompson,

children's librarian,

Springfield Public Library