Houndsley and Catina / Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise

Written by James Howe

Narrated by Peter Pamela Rose

Lively, humorous storytelling and this unlikely pair's sweetly-appealing camaraderie, make these early chapter books refreshing additions to classic friendship tales. Catina the cat wants to be a successful writer, while Houndsley the dog is a fabulous cook who dreams of winning an important cooking contest. Without realizing it, both of them seem to be focusing more on the fame and fortune their individual accomplishments might bring them. With support from the other, they each eventually learn that doing what you love - and having the support of a caring friend -- is the true reward in HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA, the first book in this delightful series. In HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA AND THE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE, Houndsley worries that he has made his friend Catina sad by admitting that he doesn't know when his birthday is and reminding her that she doesn't know hers either. He attempts to cheer her up by baking her a birthday cake.
Being the dear friend that she is, Catina counters with her own surprise. Together the engaging feline and canine pals once again exhibit the true meaning of friendship in this warm and humorous story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Live Oak Media
• Release date: Jan 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781430109280

James Howe

James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula, coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children’s literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits, published in 2001, inspired the nationwide antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe, Addie on the Inside, and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com.