Katie Catz Makes a Splash (Good Sports) - Hardcover

Rockwell, Anne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060284412 ISBN 13: 9780060284411

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2003

Synopsis

Katie Catz is afraid to swim, so she doesn't know what to do when Brendan and Belinda Porker tell her they're having a pool party for their birthday. After all, scary monsters live in the water drains, and even worse, water can get up your nose and really hurt! Then Katie takes swimming lessons from ultracool Patsy Polarbear, and suddenly swimming is a lot of fun. And when it's finally time for the Porker twins' birthday party, Katie is ready to make a huge splash! Young swimmers will share Katie's fears and celebrate with her when she completes her first lap across the pool in this heartwarming story about taking a chance and being a good sport.

My best friend was the best swimmer in town, but like Katie, I was afraid of water -- until the wonderful day when I discovered I wouldn't sink like a stone.

Also a reluctant swimmer, I understand Katie's fears. I would much rather be illustrating books, such as the first book in the Good Sports series, morgan plays soccer by Anne Rockwell.

About this title

About the Author:

In Her Own Words...

I don't remember learning to read; it seems as though I've always known how. In the same way, I don't know when I first began to draw and paint. I've always loved books and have always known I wanted to be an artist. So making picture books for children was my natural calling. I still remember how the world looked to me when I was very young, so communicating with children just starting off on what I hope will be a lifetime love of books feels right.

Many of the books I write I illustrate myself, but I've also been lucky to have collaborated with other illustrators who bring their own special gifts and vision to the words I write.

One of these is my daughter, Lizzy Rockwell. She has collaborated with me on a series of books about a group of children learning about the world, and telling the reader about themselves, in the sort of charmed and happy classroom all children should have. Two of the titles are just right for the fall back-to-school season Halloween Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Paul Meisel has illustrated Morgan Plays Soccer, published in August 2001. This is the first of a series of books about what it means to be a "good sport". Sports are a big part of childhood. Even those who aren't good at them must learn the rules of the game. As Morgan Brownbear finds out, it isn't easy although if you have good friends who are also good sports it helps.

I've never met a child who wasn't intrigued by insects. Steve Jenkins' illustrations for Bugs Are Insects, Let'S Read And Find Out (May 2001) show why children like my youngest grandson, Christian, are taken with the beauty and variety they see in the insect world.

I believe that once a book is published it belongs to its readers. So now I'm busy working on ideas for new books. I love doing this, for I'm always refreshed by starting this kind of adventure carrying an idea all the way turning it into a book for others to read and enjoy.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2-When Katie's water phobia threatens to exclude her from the Porker twins' pool party, gentle swimming lessons with Patsy Polarbear save the kitten's social life. Meisel and Rockwell offer a practical tale populated by genial cartoon animals dressed in an amusing assortment of swimming attire. Although this book joins ranks with stories like Martha Weston's Tuck in the Pool (Clarion, 1995) and Jonathan London's Froggy Learns to Swim (Viking, 1995) for reassuring those who are hydrophobic, it has no surprises. However, the peripheral characters, such as a rabbit in oversized trunks and a boogying cow, have plenty of charm.
Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0060284412
• ISBN 13: 9780060284411
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Meisel Paul