Houndsley and Catina - (Candlewick Sparks) by James Howe (Paperback)

About the Book

The subtle dance of friendship is played out in three sweetly humorous tales about an unlikely, likable pair. Howe's funny and endearing world of ginger tea, no-bean chili, and firefly watching is brought to life in cozy watercolors by Gay in this tender chapter book about what it means to be friends. Full color.

Book Synopsis

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

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? 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.

Review Quotes

Delicate watercolors capture the delight of a wintry day, and Howe's on-target portrayal of friends who get along despite bumps along the way make this special.
--Booklist

These endearing characters shine in this gentle and reflective read.
--Kirkus Reviews

Gentle, whimsical humor.
--School Library Journal, starred review

Illustrations glow with warmth and good spirits...an encouraging book on overcoming fears.
--Booklist

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

Published in beginning-reader format, this gentle story will appeal to children's compassion as well as their sense of humor. Though the setting is a cold, sometimes-bleak autumn, Gay's pencil, watercolor, and collage artwork glows with warmth, style, and quiet pizzazz. An appealing book for independent readers in the early grades, the story will also make a good fall read-aloud for preschool classes.
--Booklist

A warm, gently humorous, makes-you-smile-all-over depiction of best friendship...here's hoping there are more adventures ahead for this cat and dog duo.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Read this with a beginning reader before that first beautiful and sometimes frustrating snow day.
--Chicago Tribune

A sweetly engaging story...energetic watercolors brim with personality and humor.
--Kirkus Reviews

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

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

Gay's soft watercolor-and-pencil illustrations with collage details are fun and lighthearted, and scenes are filled with activity and assorted sweet-looking animals. The ratio between text and pictures will appeal to new readers.
--School Library Journal

An animal tale both funny and wise.
--Washington Parent

Watercolor vignettes of cozy domestic interiors give way to expansive snowy vistas... third entry in a series that calls to mind the enduring friendship between Arnold Lobel's famous Frog and Toad
--Washington Post

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. Of HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA, he says, "When my daughter was little, my favorite books to read to her were about best friends like Frog and Toad, George and Martha, and Winnie-the-Pooh and the other inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood. HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA grew out of my love for books like these and my belief that friendship is worth far more than prizes or fame."

MARIE-LOUISE GAY is the author and illustrator of many award-winning books, including the Stella and Sam series. She says of this book, "When I first read HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA, I was captivated by the evocative and emotional quality of their friendship. It was a joy to create these two wonderful characters and the world they live in."