Callie Cat, Ice Skater

December 1, 2007
K-Gr 2-Spinelli's sweet if a bit old-fashioned story follows the big passion of a little cat who loves to ice skate. Callie practices day and night and often daydreams about skating when she is doing other things. She works hard, unable to identify the "melting sweetness" she feels every time she hits the ice. Her friends convince her to sign up for a contest, telling her she would be a "banana" if she refused to enter. Callie concedes, and begins to focus her efforts on winning. The book ends with her performance in the event (she skates well but does not win) and her rather mature revelation that the happy feelings she gets from doing what she loves are more important than any prize. Kennedy's charmingly personified animals and icy landscapes pair nicely with the warmhearted wintertime story line. This would be an ideal read-aloud for Brownie troops or other all-girl activity groups as the subjects addressed tend to be feminized. Not a necessity, but a solid additional purchase.Kristen Frey, Rocky River Public Library, OH

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
Although her friends Liza and May prefer games and crafts, Callie Cat loves ice skating. Nothing can compare with the melting sweetness she feels whenever she skates on her ice-covered backyard pond. Urged by Liza and May to enter a skating contest at the local rink, Callie dutifully practices under their watchful, critical eyes. She skates well in the competition, but doesnt win. When she skates again on her pond, she rediscovers and puts a name to what she loved about skating in the first place. Spinelli astutely depicts the insensitive but sincere friends who support Callie by encouraging her to do things their way, as well as the deep satisfaction Callie feels when she skates for her own pleasure. Sparked with childlike dialogue and mild humor, the story reads aloud well, and Kennedys fresh, lively paintings underscore the humor while also expressing Callies deeper feelings. A rewarding picture book, from the appealing jacket art and the gently delivered message to the well-chosen last word.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)