Cross-Country Cat by Mary Calhoun (1979) is a satisfying story about a lost pet. The pet is a cat. Calhoun sets us up for her drama by explaining in the first few pages that this kitty is familiar with moving on only two feet. “Henry was a hind leg walker.” Oddly, Henry’s owners are identified as “The Kid”, "The Man”, and "The Woman.” This family enjoys cross country skiing. The Kid makes Henry a pair of tiny skis, which Henry rejects. But when the family accidentally leaves Henry behind when they head for home, Henry attempts to ski home. Of course, we encounter woodland creatures on the journey. The ending has a cute twist that cat lovers will like. Erik Ingraham’s illustrations are beautiful drawings in a limited palette. I wonder if they are colored pencil and watercolor.
