MAX AND KATY Joan Neudecker Illustrated by Judith Rackham Victoria (B.C.), Beach Holme Publishers, 1991. 20pp, laminated boards, $14.95, ISBN 0-88878-295-0 Distributed by Porcepic Books. CIP Kindergarten to Grade 3/Ages 5 to 8 Reviewed by Linda Holeman Volume 20 Number 1 1992 January The intriguing world of Canada's west coast awaits the reader in Max and Katy. The theme is a simple one com­mon to young children everywhere — Katy and her cat Max go on a treasure hunt. The hunt takes them from their backyard steps to the beach outside their gate and then home again to the garden. As they follow mother's clues, adding a new one to the list each time they make a discovery, the search narrows. They end up looking for a mysterious something "as red as the fuchsias, as sharp as Max's claws, as green as the kelp, and as fast as the grains of sand sliding off Katy's shovel into the bucket." This short but charming book is a wonderful example of how the work of author and illustrator can complement each other. The beautifully profuse illustrations by artist Judith Rackham depict the richness of British Columbia's flora and fauna. Beside each of the full-page pictures is a list of the different flowers, trees, sea life or insects Rackham has rendered with realistic detail. The illustrations include items familiar to any Canadian child, such as dandelions and bumblebees, as well as the not-so-familiar, like the exotic Spring Azure Butterfly or Volcano Limpet. Young children will enjoy the innocent gentleness of the words as well as the wealth of visual pleasure in this book. It is a read-to for a younger audience and a beginning reading adventure for slightly older children. Linda Holeman, Winnipeg, Man.