Sad because he does not know the date of his own birthday, Houndsley, a rumpled brown floppy-eared dog confides his feelings to his best friend, Catina, a white cat. "I do not know when my birthday is either," she tells him. Houndsley thinks he has made her sad and decides to bake her a cake to cheer her up. Inspired, he plans an entire surprise party for her at his house. Before he can call her to come to his house, she calls him and asks him to come fix the crack in her bathtub. Houndsley thinks, "I cannot say no to a friend who is asking for help," and heads to her house. Of course, the fun part is that she has planned a surprise party for Houndsley, too.

Soft and delicate pastel watercolors and an easy-reader text, divided into three chapters, are filled with gentle humor and affection between two friends who will do anything for each other. Ask your kids to talk about true friendship and what it means. What have you done for a true friend lately? Children will want to read the introductory title, Houndsley and Catina, and subsequent additions to this soulful, sweet series. For another surprise birthday celebration, read Gary Soto's Chato and the Party Animals.


THEMES: BIRTHDAYS. CAKES. CATS. DOGS. FRIENDSHIP. PARTIES.