Connie Layfield, age 12, of Allentown, Penna., for her question:

What kind of animal is a kinkajou?

He is cuddly as a kitten, spry as a squirrel and playful as a monkey. Mr. Kinkajou, somewhat larger than a house cat and dust as furry, is a native of the bungles of South America. He is often seen dangling from a high branch, hanging upside down by his long furry tail.   His color may be anywhere from pale blond to deep brunette.

The kinkajou has a round face with a gentle expression and a pair of small round ears. His most remarkable feature is his eyes, which are large and very bright. Those beautiful eyes mark the furry little animal as a night prowler. He spends most of the day dozing in the dense foliage and comes out at night to hurry scurry among the trees for his food. It is said that he very rarely sets foot upon the ground.