School Library Journal
K-Gr 2
"The quiet. It is almost like music." With the delicacy of snow falling silently on treetops and musical notes passing across the page, close friends Houndsley (a wise dog who happens to play the cello) and Catina (a childlike perfectionist cat who plays the clarinet) find their performance plans interrupted by a snowstorm. While Catina always worries about that which cannot be done, and Houndsley always finds a positive solution to every situation, the realities of a winter storm lead the friends to use their imaginations and create an "island" in Houndsley's house, enjoying a day of reading and writing poetry, games, and shared dreams. Soft watercolors and a pastel palette reveal the cozy clutter of Houndsley's home, and white snow-washed scenes of snowmen add gentle, whimsical humor to a day of restricted activities inspired by the weather. This small book provides a seamless visualization of the perfect conclusion to a snowy day.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
Kirkus Reviews
The frantic pace of daily life is thrown by the wayside when a heavy snowstorm quietly descends in this latest installment starring friends Houndsley and Catina. Duo Howe and Gay (Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise, 2006, etc.) continue the animals' friendship amidst a serene snowfall. Feline Catina anxiously awaits their performance in an evening's planned concert, worrying the weather will prohibit her plans for the special occasion. Canine Houndsley, however, enjoys the calm the winter wonderland brings, and he helps Catina to appreciate-gradually-the wonderful quiet the snowy day has to offer. Their tranquility is slightly interrupted, however, as neighbor Bert continuously practices his dramatic cymbal solo next door. Each chapter builds to the night's grand musical event, and the projected percussion finale provides a tender surprise to the wintry day's conclusion. Howe's text fully suits newly independent readers, while Gay's dreamy watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations thoroughly set the stage for the snowy setting. These endearing characters shine in this gentle and reflective read. (Early reader. 5-8)
From the Publisher
Gentle, whimsical humor.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
These endearing characters shine in this gentle and reflective read.
—Kirkus Reviews
Delicate watercolors capture the delight of a wintry day, and Howe’s on-target portrayal of friends who get along despite bumps along the way make this special.
—Booklist
Read this with a beginning reader before that first beautiful and sometimes frustrating snow day.
—Chicago Tribune
A good book for a child beginning to read chapter books and has some good ideas for activities for children stuck indoors.
—San Antonio ExpressNews
Watercolor vignettes of cozy domestic interiors give way to expansive snowy vistas... third entry in a series that calls to mind the enduring friendship between Arnold Lobel’s famous Frog and Toad
—Washington Post
Gentle story…watercolor vignettes…third entry in a series that calls to mind the enduring friendship between Arnold Lobel’s famous Frog and Toad.
—Washington Post Book World
Watercolor illustrations beautifully complement the story’s peaceful mood. This book reminds kids and parents alike of the joy to be found in quietly dreaming.
—Washington Parent
