HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA

In a sweet sequel to their debut, good friends Houndsley and Catina sadly realize that they don’t know when their birthdays are. Each concocts a secret remedy: Houndsley bakes a big, beautiful cake for Catina, while she knits a colorful sweater to replace his customary moth-eaten number. Their pals help get Houndsley to Catina’s house and vice versa, delighted to partake in two surprise parties in one day. Gay’s collaged pencil-and-watercolor illustrations depict both blustery autumn scenes—all flying leaves and unfurled umbrellas—and interiors filled with charming minutiae, from messy cook Houndsley’s chocolatey footprints to brimming bookcases in both friends’ homes. Using language appropriate for new readers, Howe crafts a knowing paean—filtered mainly through Houndsley’s point of view—to the care and feeding of friendship. (Easy reader. 5-8)