A certain, hard-to-define sleekness traces the lines of every black cat I've had the good fortune to know -- a certain sleekness, a certain feline wisdom, a certain mystique. They inspire names as dark as the jet color of their fur -- names like Salem and Lucifer and Derry (think Stephen King).

"Black Cat", by Christopher Myers, captures all of that and more in his enchanting tale of a lone "Black Cat" as it roams the city night, prowling subways and rooftops alike.

"Black Cat" is far from a traditional children's book. You'll find no pastel paintings and soft words gracing the pages of Myers work. This is a darker book. With its edgy, restless poetry and dark collages, this is a book for a child of the new millennium. This is for a child of the city.

Both the poetry and artwork of "Black Cat" radiate an intensity rarely seen in the literature of children's picture books. "Black Cat" holds within its pages the pulse of the city. The poetry is compelling, with its drum-beat rhythm and vivid imagery.

The artwork of "Black Cat" is unique, using a mixed media approach -- part photograph, part collage, with touches of ink, and gouache for a wonderfully textured look. Jacket copy on the book reveals that the photographs were shot in Harlem and Brooklyn.

The artwork is dark and sleek, and wholly evocative, holding the mood of the book consistently, perfectly.

Though there is no questionable content within the pages of "Black Cat", I would really not recommend this for picture book aged children. In addition, a child totally unfamiliar to the city may have difficulty following parts of the book, as its images are purely urban -- hot tar beaches, brick music falling, the quiet language of invisible trains. At the very least, a parent would have to provide suitable background information to make the book relevant to children of more rural backgrounds.

I would recommend this, however, as a perfect introduction to poetry for older children and pre-teens. It is definitely poetry meant to be read aloud.

...listening to brick music falling
from project windows
balanced like bottles somebody left on a wall
chasing subway mice
and platform rats
hearing the quiet language
of invisible trains...

At heart, "Black Cat" is a proud book -- a book about identity and individuality and independence -- a book as suitable for adults (or perhaps more so) as for children.

"Black Cat" is the perfect book to read on a sultry summer evening, when the windows are open, and the roar of nearby traffic (or maybe just crickets) drifts in on the breeze. Read it out loud, and let its rhythm carry you. "Black Cat" is the lullaby for the city.