Book Reviews: A great choice for newly independent readers or sharing with groups.~ Kirkus. This collection of short stories combines the bedrocks of mass appeal: dogs, humor, and short chapters brimming with illustrations. ~ Booklist on Dog Diaries. Drama, humor, excitement, and love fuel these short, well-written stories that are certain to be relished by dog lovers. ~ Booklist on My Dog, My Hero. At the annual gathering of the MEOW society, cats of all kinds convene to share their stories and those of their ancestors. Chico, the smallest cat in the world, recounts stopping a crime. The Pirate Cat tells of the fateful day when he discovered a treasure while hunting for mice. And Georgio shares his delectable”and sometimes surprising”recipes. Cat Diaries is a winning companion to Dog Diaries, also by Betsy Byars and her daughters Betsy Duffy and Laurie Myers. Animal lovers and reluctant readers will be wooed by the charm, strength, and wit of these feline friends.