Smuggly (our cat) is trying to help me this morning and has insisted on walking on the keyboard and generally trying to get a smooch. Very annoying and pathetic. However, she isn't going to go away until I do it, so I'll take a few minutes and "sharpen the saw"...
     ...there! She's satisfied and gone back to curling up to watch CAT TELEVISION (the birds in the backyard)

Speaking of animals, here's a great new "Noah's Ark" picture book by Zachary Shapiro and illustrated by Jack E. Davis. When the animals first arrive on Noah's floating zoo they are quite excited about the adventure, but as the journey wears on boredom sets in and tempers start to flare. (Sound like your last road trip with kids?!!) When Noah reminds his menagerie that they are "all in the same boat," the animals shape up and learn to cooperate.
    Besides the bright, bold illustrations which are a riot, this book is a real keeper because it is an ABC animal book with some really incredible vocabulary. The voles are vexed, the orangutans obnoxious, the llamas are livid. The expressions on the animals' faces are sure to delight and sustain a pre-schooler's interest. And what a great way to introduce vocabulary subtly. The message of learning to cooperate is very clear, but not over-bearing.  It's a really fun book and little ones are sure to enjoy it over and over again.

Five stars. Recommended for ages 2-5. A terrific story time choice for libraries and preschools, and Sunday School teachers and parents are going to find it a perfect companion for character and Bible lessons.