Ages 5^-8. Martin's picture book reads just like what it is--a story drawn from life. "On a Sunday in November, a cat wandered into the garden of a church" and stayed to work his way into the fabric of the congregation and the neighborhood, becoming a familiar presence at church services, potluck suppers, local shops, and park benches. His eventual death brings many human friends to a special graveside ceremony. By turns comical, smug, and totally poised, McCully's black-and-white Leo grabs all the attention, although he's but a small presence in the bustling double-page spreads dominated by people. The wraparound dust jacket, picturing a larger than life-size Leo, should be a great incentive to children who have cats at home, and the gently humorous, poignant (never sentimental) story won't disappoint. Stephanie Zvirin