Houndsley and Catina
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

"Catina the cat wants to be a famous writer and has written "Life Through the Eyes of a Cat." When her friend Houndlsey the dog reads it and realizes she is a terrible writer, he doesn't want to hurt her feelings and says, "I am at a loss for words." Catina beams at the imagined compliment. The pooch, who is a very good cook, is persuaded by Catina and Bert to enter a cooking contest, but everything goes wrong - he even forgets the three beans for his three-bean chili. The judges laugh at him, and he thinks about giving up cooking. Later, the two friends sit outside and reflect on their experiences. Houndlsey enjoys cooking but doesn't need to be the best, while Catina wants to be famous but does not enjoy writing. Houndsley encourages her to find something she enjoys doing and reminds her that she is very good at being his friend. James Howe's gentle story (Candlewick, 2006) of friendship won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Peter Pamela Rose perfectly captures Houndsley's "soft-as-a-rose petal voice" and creates distinctive voices for Catina and Bert. The excellent narration is enhanced by the musical score and sound track which give depth to the events of the story. A fine addition to beginning chapter-book collections."

"Narrator Peter Pamela Rose does everything to enhance this gentle story. In three chapters, best friends Houndsley the dog and Catina the cat learn about being true to themselves and supportive of each other. Rose draws listeners into the story with an easy, steady pace that's ideal for early readers who are following along. Her Catina is appropriately perky and outgoing. Houndsley's voice is indeed "soft as a rose petal." Houndsley's neighbor, Bert, sounds just as one assumes a goose might. With background music and sound effects-pages rustling as Catina writes her book, pots bubbling while Houndsley makes his three-bean chili-and sweet, clever illustrations, the whole package is a serene treat."