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Children's Fiction Books & Libraries

Houndsley and Catina at the Library

by (author) James Howe

illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Publisher
Candlewick Press
Initial publish date
Mar 2020
Category
Books & Libraries, Friendship, Beginner
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780763696627
    Publish Date
    Mar 2020
    List Price
    $21.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781536223590
    Publish Date
    Apr 2022
    List Price
    $7.99

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Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 5 to 8
  • Grade: k to 3

Description

The charming duo returns with a love letter to the library, good friends, the joy of learning, and self-reinvention.

It’s Saturday, and Houndsley, Catina, and their friend Bert are looking forward to their weekly visit to the library. But when the trio arrives, they find that Trixie, the librarian, seems different. She doesn’t tell a joke or recommend a book like she always does. That’s when the friends find out the news — the library is closing! With Trixie retiring and enrolled in circus school, there’s no one to take her place as head librarian . . . or is there? James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay have created another engaging tale about what it means to be a supportive friend and how it’s never too late to learn something new.

About the authors

James Howe's profile page

MARIE-LOUISE GAY has achieved international acclaim as an author and illustrator of children’s books. She has won many awards, including two Governor General’s awards, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. She has also been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Marie-Louise’s very popular Stella and Sam series has been translated into more than fifteen languages and is loved by children all over the world. Her recent books include Any Questions? and Short Stories for Little Monsters. She lives in Montreal. marielouisegay.com

Marie-Louise Gay's profile page

Editorial Reviews

The charm of this amusing beginning-reader book is that just when the plot seems entirely predictable, the turn of a page surprises readers with a wacky left turn in the story, even while remaining true to the characters. Created with watercolor, pencil, and collage, the illustrations express varied emotions, maintaining a buoyant tone overall. Kudos to Howe and Gay for the seventh satisfying entry in the dependable Houndsley and Catina series.
—Booklist (starred review)

Themes of kindness, adapting to sudden change, and pursuing personal growth make this early reader a touchpoint for conversations. Even with these opportunities for dynamic discussion, the plot's drama and stress are resolved in a quick and satisfying manner. A table of contents will make this outing feel like a chapter book, readers gaining confidence. Gentle existentialism for emergent readers.
—Kirkus Reviews

The watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations are gentle and expressive, and the text is just right for readers transitioning into beginning chapter books. A good choice for early reader collections that works equally well as part of the series or as a standalone.
—School Library Journal

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