Houndsley and Catina: Candlewick Sparks

Description

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.

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