| Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise |
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What You Need to Know:
• Houndsley and Catina is an exceptionally well-written Learn to Read 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 Learn 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. One day Catina finds Houndsley very sad. Houndsley explains he is sad because he doesn't know when he was born, therefore he has no birthday. Catina realizes she doesn't have a birthday, either. The two friends then realize they both have the same problem and go about making the other one feel better and end up with two surprise parties. After all the celebrating, they make a pact to always celebrate their birthdays together and on the same day. It is a wonderful story of friendship, compassion and empathy for your newly, independent reader. |
Author: James Howe Illustrator: Marie-Louise Gay Published: 2007, 48 pages (Paperback)
Themes: Animals, Friendship, Excellent Read-Aloud |
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Capture the Flag
