Though they seem to be a fit, their relationship has its quirks. The cat catches no mice, birds, etc., and only loves the man's potato soup, as well as the comforting warmth of his electric blanket. And the muttering old man never fails to let the cat know just how little he thinks of the cat's pathetic efforts to catch any food for herself as well as her uppity nature.

Nevertheless, the two appreciate each other in that "grumpy old man" kind of way or, as the refrain keeps repeating, "not so's you'd notice." This is the captivating story of what happens when their normal routine is up-ended.

Warm, expressive watercolor-and-gouache paintings help create the tender though curmudgeonly tone that enriches the story. The folksy, rural language fraught with grammatical eccentricities and country words makes it seem real and honest. Together Terry Farish, who generally writes for young adults, and Root tell an unusual story with impressive text and terrific illustrations.

This is a book any cat-lover will love. And the rest of us will appreciate it, too.