Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time

by James Howe, Peter Pamela Rose (Read by)

Overview

"The realities of a winter storm lead the friends to use their imaginations. . . .Gentle, whimsical humor." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review) (Ages 5-7)

The first snow of winter has fallen, and Houndsley is very happy, as he loves the quiet time. Catina does not like the quiet time, however, and she does not enjoy being snowed in. What about all her plans for the day? What if their evening concert has to be canceled? With a bit of pretending, a few books and board games, a flourish of creativity, and some time to dream, Houndsley helps Catina let go of her worries and enjoy the snowy day, wherever it might take them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781430108511
Publisher:	Live Oak Media (NY)
Publication date:	05/28/2010
Series:	Houndsley and Catina Series
Edition description:	With Paperback Book
Pages:	1
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

James Howe is the author of the first two books about Houndsley and Catina. He has written more than seventy books for young readers, including the much-lauded BUNNICULA and its sequels. He lives in Yonkers, New York.

Marie-Louise Gay is the illustrator of HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA and its sequels, as well as the author and illustrator of many other award-winning children’s books, including RAINY DAY MAGIC and the Stella and Sam series. She lives in Montreal.

Editorial Reviews

Heavy snow has caused good friends Houndsley and Catina to be housebound, much to Catina's dismay. Their big concert is scheduled for that evening, and Catina frets that it will be postponed. Houndsley helps her slowly come to appreciate the quiet halt to their world, as they imagine themselves on an "island" and fill their day with books, writing, games, and a warm fire. The quiet is occasionally interrupted by the clang of friend Bert's cymbal practice next door. Sidewalks are cleared by evening, and all gather in the gazebo for the concert; the music is peacefully accented by the soft whiteness surrounding them and Bert's one and only note: his cymbals sounding like a chime, lingering, floating, and falling "into the quiet time." This quiet and gentle story celebrates two friends, their differences, and the importance of sometimes enjoying some quiet time. The text is just right for newly independent readers. Howe slips in some slight humor which they will understand. Gay's softly colored illustrations also have a touch of humor as she brings us into Houndsley's homey cottage; her drawings vary from full-page to small, contributing to the appealing design of the book. Quietly thoughtful, this celebration of a snowy day has lots of appeal. Reviewer: Peg Glisson

Children's Literature - Peg Glisson

K-Gr 2

"The quiet. It is almost like music." With the delicacy of snow falling silently on treetops and musical notes passing across the page, close friends Houndsley (a wise dog who happens to play the cello) and Catina (a childlike perfectionist cat who plays the clarinet) find their performance plans interrupted by a snowstorm. While Catina always worries about that which cannot be done, and Houndsley always finds a positive solution to every situation, the realities of a winter storm lead the friends to use their imaginations and create an "island" in Houndsley's house, enjoying a day of reading and writing poetry, games, and shared dreams. Soft watercolors and a pastel palette reveal the cozy clutter of Houndsley's home, and white snow-washed scenes of snowmen add gentle, whimsical humor to a day of restricted activities inspired by the weather. This small book provides a seamless visualization of the perfect conclusion to a snowy day.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

School Library Journal

The frantic pace of daily life is thrown by the wayside when a heavy snowstorm quietly descends in this latest installment starring friends Houndsley and Catina. Duo Howe and Gay (Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise, 2006, etc.) continue the animals' friendship amidst a serene snowfall. Feline Catina anxiously awaits their performance in an evening's planned concert, worrying the weather will prohibit her plans for the special occasion. Canine Houndsley, however, enjoys the calm the winter wonderland brings, and he helps Catina to appreciate-gradually-the wonderful quiet the snowy day has to offer. Their tranquility is slightly interrupted, however, as neighbor Bert continuously practices his dramatic cymbal solo next door. Each chapter builds to the night's grand musical event, and the projected percussion finale provides a tender surprise to the wintry day's conclusion. Howe's text fully suits newly independent readers, while Gay's dreamy watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations thoroughly set the stage for the snowy setting. These endearing characters shine in this gentle and reflective read. (Early reader. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews

Gentle, whimsical humor.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

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

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

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

A good book for a child beginning to read chapter books and has some good ideas for activities for children stuck indoors.
—San Antonio ExpressNews

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

Gentle story…watercolor vignettes…third entry in a series that calls to mind the enduring friendship between Arnold Lobel’s famous Frog and Toad.
—Washington Post Book World

Watercolor illustrations beautifully complement the story’s peaceful mood. This book reminds kids and parents alike of the joy to be found in quietly dreaming.
—Washington Parent

From the Publisher