OLD TOM, MAN OF MYSTERY

Angela Throgmorton has had it with lazy Old Tom. She makes a long list of chores her feline companion can do to help around the house. When she presents it to him, he falls ill. Taking him at his word, she tucks him in and does some chores herself. Awakened in the night by mysterious footsteps, Angela follows a strangely familiar figure through the city. When she deduces the identity of the . . . er, man in the mask, she lies in wait for him at home. Angela can never stay mad at Old Tom for long, and she makes him breakfast in bed. After all, he’ll need his strength to tackle the long list of chores. Published two years ago in Australia, Old Tom’s second American outing lacks some of the charm of the first, Old Tom’s Holiday (2004). Still, the deadpan delivery and squiggly, almost drunken illustrations are back, and fans who loved the first will enjoy this. It just might not win Tom any new ones. (Picture book. 4-9)