Buster the dog has everything he could possibly want, from his own special bowls, to an in-and-out flap on the door, to walks in the park whenever he asks. Still, when the big brown box appears one day, Buster eagerly awaits its opening. Is it full of steaks? Or fancy cheese? Or sausages? Unfortunately, no. Inside is a small, white, fluffy kitten named Betty, who wastes no time making use of all of Buster’s favorite things. Pushed beyond his limit and a little afraid of this tiny ball of fluff, Buster makes his escape to the park only to discover he can’t find his way home again. But who’s that waving high up in a faraway tree? Denise Fleming’s witty and charming story features her trademark boldly colored, handmade-paper collage illustrations. Buster and Betty will endear themselves to young children, just as they do to one another. Highly Commended, 2004 Charlotte Zolotow Award; Honor Book, CCBC Caldecott Award Discussion (Ages 4–7)

Buster does not like change. But change is coming . . . and its name is Betty

"Buster was a happy dog.
He had everything he could ever want-until one day,
when his owner brought home a big box."

Buster hoped there would be juicy steaks or fancy cheeses or spicy sausages in the box. But inside was something Buster did not want. And that something was a cat named Betty.

Buster is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.