Callie Cat, Ice Skater

Plot Summary

Day and night, Callie Cat ice skates on the pond in her backyard. She loves to ice skate, loves it more than chocolate cake, more than going to the mall—more than her friends can understand. That is, until the Honeybrook Ice Rink announces a contest, and everyone thinks it could be Callie’s big chance! Now Callie practices day and night. She wants to win the big prize…doesn’t she?

Sometimes doing something you love is its own reward, as Eileen Spinelli’s unusual story demonstrates. Anne Kennedy’s exuberant art shows a unique heroine in motion.

Reviews

"The text makes her understanding of the experience a page turner to the very end. A rare gem of a lesson in today’s competitive, award-seeking society." Kirkus Reviews

"Sparked with child-like dialogue and mild humor, the story reads aloud well, and Kennedy's fresh, lively paintings underscore the humor while also expressing Callie's deeper feelings. A rewarding picture book, from the appealing jacket art and the gently delivered message to the well-chosen last word." Booklist

"...the careful crafting and gentle repetition give the story an effective shape....a useful and engaging counterattraction to stories of glittery competitive glory on or off the ice." The Bulletin

"Kennedy's charmingly personified animals and icy landscapes nicely pair with the warmhearted wintertime story line. This would be an ideal read-aloud for Brownie troops or other all-girl activity groups." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
joy, skate, skating, animal, fun, happy, sport, sports