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Children’s picture books are often so engrossing to young and old alike because of the entrancing quality of the illustrations. Add a great storyline, and the combination can make a book a treasured masterpiece in a child’s heart. Houndsley and Catina by James Howe proves to be one of those treasures that not only draws in readers but has some quality morals that give added character to the book as a whole.
Houndsley is a loyal and compassionate best friend to Catina. He encourages Catina's writing pursuits that Catina and wants desperately to see what she has put down in words. Catina is just as loyal and compassionate to Houndsley and absolutely adores the creative and tasty meals he concocts for his best friends. But sometimes, no matter how much heart and soul goes into an individual’s efforts, things don’t always work out as expected. Both Houndsley and Catina prove their love and loyalty in how they support each other when upsets occur.
Houndsley and Catina is a delightful and well-written introductory chapter book. The illustrations are adorable, reminiscent of the Toot and Puddle works by Holly Hobbie. The sentences and vocabulary are simple and easy for beginning readers to get through. In addition, the format of the book includes a contents page as well as chapters. This is ideal for those in the K-3 age range who are beginning to branch out of plain picture books. I look forward to future installments in this series.
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Houndsley and Catina