Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 0763696625
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
In an ode to libraries and talented librarians, Howe provides a three chapter easy reader for grades 1-3 in his Houndsley and Catina series. Regular Saturday mornings find the two friends, and Bert the stork, going to the library. Houndsley is a reading tutor, Catina attends the yoga class and Bert helps Trixie the librarian by shelving books. This Saturday is unusual because Trixie the librarian didn’t seem like herself. As the friends leave the library they see that Trixie is retiring and the library will be closing. The friends go see Trixie at home and find out that she is not sad but excited to start a new career by going to circus school. As the friends all prepare for Trixie’s goodbye party, Bert has the perfect present for her. He offers to take over as librarian so the library can remain open. From a librarian’s perspective, leaving to join the circus was hilarious. Howe also plants the idea that librarian’s go to school, too. Gay’s colorful illustrations provide many details for the setting and the interactions.
Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library