They've always been indoor cats, but a taste of freedom sets Marco (indolent but smart--he can read) to scheming; he and Polo (livelier, with a penchant for eating stringy things like spaghetti and ribbon) sneak out of the Neals' comfortable house to make new friends and perform, with spunk and ingenuity, the initiation tasks imposed by the tom who presides over the garbage back of the fast-food place. Naylor, an amused observer of her own cats, characterizes these two with insight and wit, endowing them with believably catlike thoughts, comical misconceptions based on their limited experience, and appealing individuality. Aside from the quests, their behavior is entertainingly realistic--including a retreat home when the food supply is closed out; and though there are now two feisty territorial kittens there, the Neals welcome their old pets back with the recognition that they'll be ``indoor-outdoor'' cats henceforth. An unusually engaging animal adventure, with plenty of sharply observed, action-filled illustrations. (Fiction. 8-12)

The droll escapades of two cat brothers who leave the safe and cozy confines of their home in search of adventure will readily enchant ailurophiles--and perhaps even convert aficionados of things canine. Marco and Polo are the beloved pets of the Neals, a well-meaning couple whose only fault is their reluctance to let the twin tabbies explore the great outdoors. Inspired by his single illicit visit to the backyard, as well as his gloriously muddled dreams of life on a ranch (gleaned from reading the newspaper lining his litter box), Marco convinces his brother to accompany him in his break for freedom. Once outside, the intrepid felines discover the joys of a Burger King dumpster and make the acquaintance of the winsome cat Carlotta and the territorial tom known as Texas Jake, ``The King, The Boss, The Cat Supreme.'' This sunny and boisterous novel is not an allegory in the style of Watership Down or The Rescuers , but an uncomplicated romp starring two captivating kitties. As a lagniappe, reliable nuggets of pet lore are scattered throughout: e.g., never leave string and rubber-bands around for kitty to swallow. Brimming with quirky cat character (and an obvious knowledge of the breed), Daniel's true-to-type illustrations are an added delight. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr. 5-7. What happens when two pampered house cats decide to see the world and sneak out of the house? Marco yearns for adventure, and his brother, Polo, goes along for the ride because it sounds like fun. Carlotta, an alluring young calico, shows them around the neighborhood and introduces them to a motley crew of cats led by Texas Jake, who requires them to solve three "Great Mysteries" before they can join the cats' Club of Mysteries. Marco and Polo must outwit Bertram the Bad and steal the mysterious prize he hides in his dog house, find out where water goes when it rains (they brave river torrents and sewer rats to do it), and discover where two-leggeds go in their cars. While Naylor's feline explorers are amusing and lovable, their behavior is always catlike, and their interpretation of human foibles is often hilarious. Chubby, intelligent Marco (he can read), and slim, athletic (although not very bright) Polo make a great team as they solve their mysteries and learn there's no place like home. Readers will thoroughly enjoy Marco and Polo's grand escape and hope for more adventures. ~--Chris Sherman

After Marco and Polo, two pampered house cats, escape one day into the world outdoors, they find themselves undertaking three dangerous missions in order to earn their membership in a cat gang known as the Club of Mysteries. Suspense and humor will hold the attention of young readers. From HORN BOOK 1993, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.