Houndsley and Catina and Cousin Wagster: Review

I am thrilled to have won this lovely book from LibraryThing! I had no idea how successful the author/illustrator team of Howe and Gay are. I must say, I am a huge fan of Houndsley and Catina. This will make a perfect gift for our granddaughter. Flora is going to love this one...

About The Book

Does Catina like Houndsley’s larger-than-life cousin more than she likes him? The charming friends return in this relatable tale.

When his cousin Wagster comes for a visit, Houndsley is excited. Wagster is all adventure and enthusiasm and razzle-dazzle, and all his friends love him. Even Catina thinks Wagster is fun and good at everything, and pretty soon Houndsley is starting to feel a little bit invisible. But Houndsley and Catina are best friends, and certainly, Cousin Wagster won’t change that — right? James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay have created a tender and funny story about some of the ways that friendships can change, and how they also stay exactly the same.

Houndsley and Catina and Cousin Wagster

Book Review

This is a wonderfully humorous story teaching the value of friendship through diversity. The illustrations are beautiful, happy and warm in pastel colors. Each main character is most memorable and funny in their own special way, especially the cousin who sparkles. All ages will adore and relate to Cousin Wagster with his demonstrative personality. The storyline draws you in with all the dynamic changes in relationships and keeps your attention from start to finish. The struggles with insecurity and not fitting in are talked about. That's a good thing to have communication among friends. Also, the ending is quite charming! I find the book to be brilliant with a simple/deep message for any age. I love this one and highly recommend!

5/5 stars! It's so good!

About the Author

James Howe is the acclaimed author of more than seventy books for young readers, including the Houndsley and

Catina series and the much-lauded BUNNICULA and its sequels. He lives in New York State.

Marie-Louise Gay, the illustrator of the Houndsley and Catina series, is the award-winning author and illustrator of

many other titles, including RAINY DAY MAGIC and the Stella and Sam series. She lives in Montreal.

Houndsley and Catina and Cousin Wagster

If you are interested in reading more from James Howe, take a look at Houndsley and Catina: Plink and Plunk, and Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time.

Happy Reading!

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis