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Houndsley and Catina #2
Houndsley and Catina and The Birthday Surprise
"Published in beginning-reader format, this gentle story will appeal to children’s compassion as well as their sense of humor." — BOOKLIST
Houndsley is sad. Not because it’s raining or because there are holes in his sweater, but because he doesn’t know when his birthday is. And now Catina is sad, too. But friends are good at cheering each other up, and Houndsley and Catina are the best of friends. So it won’t be long before they each discover, in a most surprising way, how a first-rate friend can brighten even the saddest days.
Houndsley is sad. Not because it’s raining or because there are holes in his sweater, but because he doesn’t know when his birthday is. And now Catina is sad, too. But friends are good at cheering each other up, and Houndsley and Catina are the best of friends. So it won’t be long before they each discover, in a most surprising way, how a first-rate friend can brighten even the saddest days.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
James Howe
205 books461 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pinky and Rex and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award-winning Houndsley and Catina and its sequels. But from the beginning of his career (which came about somewhat by accident after asking himself what kind of vampire a rabbit might make), he has been most interested in letting his imagination take him in whatever direction it cared to. So far, his imagination has led him to picture books, such as I Wish I Were a Butterfly and Brontorina (about a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina), mysteries, poetry (in the upcoming Addie on the Inside), and fiction that deals with issues that matter deeply to him. He is especially proud of The Misfits, which inspired national No Name-Calling Week (www.nonamecallingweek.org) and its sequel Totally Joe. He does not know where his imagination will take him in the next thirty-plus years, but he is looking forward to finding out.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pinky and Rex and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award-winning Houndsley and Catina and its sequels. But from the beginning of his career (which came about somewhat by accident after asking himself what kind of vampire a rabbit might make), he has been most interested in letting his imagination take him in whatever direction it cared to. So far, his imagination has led him to picture books, such as I Wish I Were a Butterfly and Brontorina (about a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina), mysteries, poetry (in the upcoming Addie on the Inside), and fiction that deals with issues that matter deeply to him. He is especially proud of The Misfits, which inspired national No Name-Calling Week (www.nonamecallingweek.org) and its sequel Totally Joe. He does not know where his imagination will take him in the next thirty-plus years, but he is looking forward to finding out.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 13, 2018
I Love these sweet books of Houndsley and Catina. They are such good friends. This is becoming one of my favorite series for young readers. Houndsley and Catina both have such affection for each other. They are smart with many hobbies and good and close friends. It has so much warmth in the pages even when it’s raining and you have holes in your sweater.
Neither Houndsley nor Catina know when their birthday is. It is causing Houndsley ennui (I love that word and yeah for a chance to use it.). They each decide to do something to cheer the other one up and celebrate a birthday. Yeah. They both think of the other more than their own sadness. It is a joy filled ending like a warm fire glowing.
Really, if you haven’t read your kid this series, they are good little books.
Neither Houndsley nor Catina know when their birthday is. It is causing Houndsley ennui (I love that word and yeah for a chance to use it.). They each decide to do something to cheer the other one up and celebrate a birthday. Yeah. They both think of the other more than their own sadness. It is a joy filled ending like a warm fire glowing.
Really, if you haven’t read your kid this series, they are good little books.
February 3, 2011
I am really impressed with the insight, sensitivity and warm feeling of the books in the Houndsley and Catina series by James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay. They are just wonderful stories and perfect for children who are starting to read chapter books. We've really enjoyed the first two tales and we are looking forward to reading more books in this series.
October 25, 2015
One doesn't always think about the fact that pet owners frequently don't know the exact birthdate for their cats and dogs. I know that my family isn't aware of our dog's exact birthday, just that she was born sometime in the month of April. For Houndsley and Catina, though, the realization that neither of them has a day to designate as their official birthday brings some sadness to them both. Birthday celebrations are one of the sweet parts of life, after all, and it's not fair that they should miss out on those memorable moments just because they don't know the specific day they were born. But how can the situation be remedied?
Houndsley, whose sensitivity to the needs of his friends (but especially Catina, his very best friend of all) leads him always to think of them first, decides that the thing to do is to plan a surprise birthday party for Catina. Even if they don't know her actual birthdate, that doesn't mean they can't have just as big a celebration as if they did know, and so Houndsley puts together a party with all their friends to commemorate those many birthdays for Catina that went by unobserved. Who can remain sad when they're at a party thrown just for them? However, there may be a few surprises in the offing before the big day reaches its finish. Because Catina is a good friend, too, and she's not likely to let Houndsley down when she thinks that he's sad, anymore than he would fail to come through for her when she is feeling blue.
No matter what their length, style or intended age group, I always enjoy James Howe's books. His perceptivity of the nuances of relationships is unsurpassed in all of literature, in my opinion, and that alone makes his stories invaluable. I'm excited about the future of the Houndsley and Catina series, as I know that they're in the hands of one of the great writers of his time.
Houndsley, whose sensitivity to the needs of his friends (but especially Catina, his very best friend of all) leads him always to think of them first, decides that the thing to do is to plan a surprise birthday party for Catina. Even if they don't know her actual birthdate, that doesn't mean they can't have just as big a celebration as if they did know, and so Houndsley puts together a party with all their friends to commemorate those many birthdays for Catina that went by unobserved. Who can remain sad when they're at a party thrown just for them? However, there may be a few surprises in the offing before the big day reaches its finish. Because Catina is a good friend, too, and she's not likely to let Houndsley down when she thinks that he's sad, anymore than he would fail to come through for her when she is feeling blue.
No matter what their length, style or intended age group, I always enjoy James Howe's books. His perceptivity of the nuances of relationships is unsurpassed in all of literature, in my opinion, and that alone makes his stories invaluable. I'm excited about the future of the Houndsley and Catina series, as I know that they're in the hands of one of the great writers of his time.
September 21, 2013
Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise is a chapter book with two main characters, Houndsley the dog and Catina the cat. The characters have a tender and caring friendship. This is one of my favorite stories because the characters are kind friends that truly care for each other's happiness. Catina spends the first part of the story trying to figure out why her friend, Houndsley, is so sad. Catina finds out that the reason her friend is feeling sad is because he doesn’t know what day his birthday is. Catina doesn’t know what day her birthday is either, which makes her feel sad too. The rest of the story the friends work hard to make a special birthday surprise for each other. In the end Catina and Houndsley end up celebrating their birthdays together. This story is about the importance of friendship and it perfectly portrays the true gift of giving and caring for your friends.
February 18, 2013
Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise tells the story of Houndsley the dog and Catina the cat dealing with the realization that neither of them know when their birthdays are, from the perspective of Houndlsey. Upon this realization, they both separately take the initiative to throw a birthday party for the other, which are both planned same time. This book would qualify as an easy reader, as there are colorful illustrations on nearly every page. The plot of the story seems to be geared toward an audience who is not yet reading for meaning, as the plot is not something relatable, as with many transitional readers I have read, but is simply fun and entertaining. Overall, this book would be a fun and colorful read for young children.
November 3, 2012
After reading the first one, I knew we had to read the rest of the series! It is such a cute and well-done book with three short chapters that continue the story. Houndsley is sad because he realizes he doesn't know when his birthday is, then Catina is also sad that she doesn't know her birthday either. So Houndsley decides to throw a surprise birthday party for Catina, and bake a spectacular cake. Only, she also decides to throw a surprise party for him. In the end, they both decide to celebrate their birthday on the same day each year. Recommended for ages 4-7, 3 stars.
March 27, 2013
I just love the sweetness and slow pace of life in these books! (am I officially an old fogie for saying that?) Houndsley could come across as pompous I suppose, but I read him to be his own dog, living life just as he wants to, at peace with the world. Such sweet life lessons without being overbearing.
April 29, 2015
Houndsley and Catina and The Birthday Surprise is a story about two friends who do not know when their birthday is. The fact that they are unaware of their birthdays makes each of them sad. Both Catina and Houndsley are willing to do anything to make each other happy. This is a nice story of friendship. This book would make a nice beginner chapter book for children.
August 13, 2016
So many loves and one clunker to wince at in this book.
The best line, "I'm never sad because I wish I were doing something else. If I wanted to be doing something else, I would go and do it."
The worst line, "I cannot say no to a friend who is asking for help."
The best line, "I'm never sad because I wish I were doing something else. If I wanted to be doing something else, I would go and do it."
The worst line, "I cannot say no to a friend who is asking for help."
April 1, 2009
What a cute book. And the illustrations are darling. A cute read about being good friends!
May 7, 2009
It's awesome. The story, it had both characters that got upset and they both decided that they would have their bithday on the same day every single year.
July 14, 2011
Cute story about friendship
November 9, 2011
I would include this book in a school library.
June 10, 2013
This is a really cute book and I think kids and readers of all ages would enjoy!
A very adorable story about to friends cheering each other up!
A very adorable story about to friends cheering each other up!
May 7, 2017
All of the Houndsley and Catina stories are soothing and sweet, but the real treat are the beautiful illustrations. These are the perfect calming storybooks for bedtime.
July 27, 2015
Good book to share author's craft of surprises at end of book. Use with strategy, What evidence do I have for my prediction?
April 2, 2020
Isabella is one the fourth or so time of reading this one particularly and has added her own voices for the characters. We love that the books are easy for her to read, and the drawings are so great to bring the story to life!
August 23, 2018
I read this myself. My favorite part was when they made a cake.
August 30, 2020
This is cute and the perfect reading level for Callie! (Just started 3rd grade)
September 23, 2020
Another beginning chapter book with a birthday adventure for the two friends. Will young readers be able to predict the big twist of the book? I almost missed it :). Cute, innocent fun.
December 15, 2020
We really enjoyed reading this!
June 1, 2021
This was cute!!!!
December 1, 2021
“I am never sad because I wish I were doing something else,” he told Catina. “If I wanted to be doing something else, I would go and do it.”
December 28, 2021
It was kind of a long story... but... I liked it 👍
January 3, 2022
I gave this book a 3 because I can't really rememeber their names. I liked this book because they have their birthdays on the same date.
March 3, 2023
Cute illustrations, fun story, just not a favorite
July 30, 2023
This was a cute easy chapter book about two friends who surprise each other for their birthdays. The characters were all kind and eager to surprise each other.
January 28, 2025
Really sweet 😭
February 12, 2026
First of all, the art is soooo pretty. Every pages is sooo beautiful and the story is sooo heartwarming. Definitely one of my faves!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews