What You Need to Know:
• Houndsley and Catina is an exceptionally well-written Learning to Read, SR book/series.
• It is a new and modern take on the friendship/buddy story, in the same vein, and should be held with as much regard, as Frog and Toad and George and Martha.
• The chapters are continuous, as opposed to small, short unrelated stories as often found at this reading level. This is particularly helpful to move a young reader along to more challenging books by allowing them to practice retaining characters and plotlines. |
Sweet Series Background:
Houndley and Catina is a superb Learning to Read, SR, series. It is an appealing account of two young friends, Houndsley the dog and Catina the cat. Houndsley is the strong, silent, level-headed type and Catina is more effervescent, chatty, and exuberant. Throughout these lovely stories, the two friends learn that even though their personalities are very different, they are actually more alike than would seem. Each book (4 in all as of 2009) imparts meaningful lessons they learn from each other about friendship and life. Howe's spare prose and Gay's gorgeous illustrations make for a truly welcome new contender in the buddy book genre. |
Sweet Book Summary:
Houndsley and Catina are best friends. Houndsley is an excellent cook and Catina loves to write. They each enter contests to see if they can be awarded for their hobbies. When Houndsley fails miserably in his cooking contest, he realizes he doesn't need a prize to tell him he is a good cook. When Catina fails miserably in her writing contest, she realizes she doesn't actually like to write, she just wanted a prize. While their journey's may seem different, they conclude at the same place. Both Houndsley and Catina learn from each other and through their friendship, that you should find something you love to do, and do it for enjoyment, not for accolades. A sweet message for children (especially competitive ones). |
Author: James Howe Illustrator: Marie-Louise Gay Published: 2007, 40 pages
Themes: Animals, Friendship, Excellent Read-Aloud, Exquisite Illustrations, Extraordinary Language |
|
Capture the Flag
