THE CATFISH PALACE H.J. Hutchins Illustrated by Ruth Ohi Toronto, Annick Press, 1993. 24pp, paper ISBN 1-55037-317-X (paper) $5.95, ISBN 1-55037-316-1 (library binding) $15.95. Distributed by Firefly Books. CIP. Kindergarten to Grade 3/Ages 5 to 8 Reviewed by Gillian Martin Noonan. Volume 21 Number 5 1993 October The Catfish Palace is the pet store near Cindy's house. It is a nice, clean place where the animals are well looked after. It also has a mascot, a large catfish, who is kept in a cement container not really big enough for him. This catfish and his home bother Cindy. To her, keeping the catfish in such a small place is not right. So after talking and listening to several adults, she decides to write a letter to the owner of The Catfish Palace about her feelings for the now-dead catfish. Her letter brings about positive results. Presented in a simple way, Hutchins' story shows young readers that they can have an impact on their world. While the story is not an exciting or a dramatic one, it demonstrates clearly that cruelty to animals can go unnoticed in our society - an important lesson for young minds. This book would be a very good starting point for discussions with children. It would be most appropriate for late primary/early elementary readers. Gillian Martin Noonan is a teacher-librarian living in Old Perlican, Newfoundland.