From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 2-"Mr. Brown liked three things: ghost books, cheese, and cats." So, the man buys himself a bookstore that sells only scary stories and gets a cat (who also likes cheese) to keep him company. However, when the customers start seeing mice, they stop coming to the store. Mr. Brown sends his cat to catch the rodents, but instead, the clever feline comes up with a plan. When volumes mysteriously begin to fall off of the shelves, word gets around that the Black Cat Bookstore is haunted. The customers return, and Mr. Brown, the cat, and the book-pushing mice all live happily together. This clever story has an easy-to-read vocabulary and short chapters. Westcott's colorful and lively illustrations capture the tone of the text, and the artist's extra little touches (such as Mr. Brown's cat-patterned tie) will entertain children. While this book is aimed at newly independent readers, it will also make a fun read-aloud.Dina Sherman, Brooklyn Children's Museum, NYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product Description Since customers avoid his store due to mice, Mr. Brown gives his cat an ultimatum--either get rid of the mice or else--and she along with the assistance of some otherworldly rodents chases the mice away, in a delightful ghost story for beginning readers accompanied by vibrant illustrations. From Booklist Mr. Brown decides to open a bookstore that sells only his favorite kind of books: ghost stories. He also gets a cat, and the two of them live happily together. Unfortunately, the resident mice scare away customers until the cat (who likes mice) comes up with a plan to give the bookstore a "ghost" and the mice a job. Children just past the beginning readers should find this amiable tale well within their grasp. Westcott's jolly illustrations include lots of funny ghost story book titles, some amusing mice antics, and a multicultural group of bookstore customers. Susan Dove Lempke