Houndsley and Catina

by James Howe, Marie-Louise Gay (Illustrator)

Overview

The subtle dance of friendship — from holding your tongue to knowing what to say — is played out in three sweetly humorous tales about an unlikely, likable pair.

Catina wants to be a famous writer. Houndsley is an excellent cook. Catina thinks Houndsley is a wonder. Houndsley thinks Catina is a very good friend. So what should Houndsley say about Catina’s seventy-four-chapter memoir? And can Catina find the right words of comfort for Houndsley after the big cooking contest fiasco? James Howe’s funny and endearing world of ginger tea, no-bean chili, and firefly watching is brought to life in cozy watercolors by Marie-Louise Gay in this tender chapter book about what it means to be friends.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781098251307
Publisher:	Chapter Books
Publication date:	08/01/2022
Series:	Houndsley and Catina Series
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.39(d)
Lexile:	580L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 7 Years

About the Author

James Howe is the acclaimed author of more than seventy books for young readers, including the much-lauded Bunnicula and its sequels.

Marie-Louise Gay is the author and illustrator of many award-winning books, including the Stella and Sam series.

Editorial Reviews

Catina longs to be a famous writer but doesn't really like writing. Houndsley is a marvelous cook but cracks under the pressure of a cooking contest. Such are the trials of this lovable cat-dog duo, who cheer each other on in the discovery of their unique talents. Divided into three short, easy-to-read chapters, the story is a terrific introduction to chapter books. Sweet watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations create a gentle world where best friends enjoy a summer night sitting in comfortable silence: "Everyone has talents. Watching fireflies was one of theirs." (Ages 6 to 8)
Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2006

Houndsley, a good cook, and Catina, a misguided memoirist, pursue goals out of step with their true natures in this humorous beginning reader, the first of a series. Extroverted Catina, bent on fame and prizes, produces 74 chapters of terrible autobiography, a fact that Houndsley can't bring himself to point out. When Catina persuades her limelight-loathing friend to enter a cooking contest, he panics at the crowds and botches a favorite recipe. Later, contemplating fireflies together, Houndsley realizes that for him, cooking well is its own reward, while Catina resolves to come by her fame honestly, by finding and practicing something she loves to do. Gay's pale watercolor-and-pencil illustrations include small, appealing details and amusing facial expressions. The front endpaper is decorated with the pattern on Catina's collaged dress, while the back endpaper echoes Houndsley's pants. Howe competently mixes the format's conventions-friends of the opposite sex, serial adventures in short chapters and a few kid-friendly object lessons. A pleasantly seasoned potboiler. (Easy reader. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews

The dog and cat exude emotion and motion in modest, vintage homes and beautiful outdoor settings. This intimate look at friendship is a welcome addition to series such as Arnold Lobel’s ‘Frog and Toad.'
—School Library Journal

The lively, brisk writing is wonderfully extended in Gay’s airy watercolor-and-pencil illustrations, which keep the focus on the caring friends.
—Booklist

This charming trio of chapters implicitly testifies to the adage that opposites attract.
—Publishers Weekly

Pleasantly seasoned.
—Kirkus Reviews

Howe clearly has another winner with HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA
—BookPage

Gay’s swirling watercolor illustrations are a delight.
—The Advocate (Baton Rouge)

An animal tale both funny and wise.
—Washington Parent

Delightful . . . Marie-Louise Gay’s watercolors are sweet and cheery.
—Scholastic Parent & Child

Marie-Louise Gay’s illustrations are a joy.
—Waterbury Republican-American

The airy cartoons convey the humor of the simple narrative and the characters’ affectionate relationship.
—SLJ’s Curriculum Connections

Both friends love and support the other, and they come to the conclusion that doing what you love is important. Marie-Louise Gay’s soft watercolors…are gently humorous and endearing.
—Reading Today

A delightful and well-written introductory chapter book.
—Curled Up With A Good Kids’ Book

From the Publisher