A young girl describes the attributes of people and animals that live in her house in a series of delightful, sometimes hilarious observations and comparisons. The “five creatures” are the girl, her parents, and her family’s two cats. There are “three who can button buttons,” “four who can open cupboards” (two cats, two grownups), “five who love birds . . . but not all in the same way.” Young readers and listeners can identify which member or members of the family each statement describes in the warm, lighthearted illustrations. No doubt many children will also launch into observations about members of their own households and families — a great way to extend the pleasures of the story. Honor Book, 2002 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–6)