Hondo & Fabian

Hondo & Fabian written and illustrated by Peter McCarty. Henry Holt & Company, 2002. ISBN 0-8050-6352-8

Reader's Annotation: Hondo and Fabian, each doing what dogs and cats do best, spend their time very differently. Yet, the two friends have a great deal in common after all.

Summary: The day begins with Hondo the dog and Fabian the cat sleeping in their favorite places. From this starting point, Hondo's day includes an expedition to the beach to play in the waves with his dog pal, Fred, while Fabian settles in for some quieter time at home with the baby. They enjoy themselves, but are happy to reunite at home again for dinner, and then settle in for another contented night of restful sleep close to each other.

Critical Evaluation: This soothing tale of friendship story is told from the alternating perspectives of Hondo and Fabian on each two-page spread, and both the text and illustrations are spare enough to allow the focus to remain on the two animals as they experience the world around them. McCarty's pencil on watercolor paper illustrations capture the joy and playfulness expressed by this animal pair, as well as the affection between them.

The artwork is finely textured, muted in color and shading, and practically glows with soft light. Hondo and Fabian look so soft, and their surroundings are depicted in such a cozy manner, that children and parents will long to step into the story and inhabit McCarty's inviting world for a while.

McCarty excels in offering contrasts between the pair's activities, while simultaneously highlighting similarities. For example, Hondo gets hungry at the beach and eyes the fisherman's catch. At the same time, Fabian gets hungry and wishes he could eat the turkey sandwich on the counter at home. Children will enjoy noticing these patterns within the story as they follow the animal pair through the course of a day.

McCarty's soothing text and softly textured illustrations combine to create the perfect bedtime story for the very young. The bond of friendship and love between these two animals is beautifully depicted and elegantly told.

Age or Interest Level: Ages 1 to 4

Lexile Level: 180L

Awards: 2002 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year and Notable Children's Book of the Year, and a 2003 Caldecott Honor Book.

Why Included? I would like to live in Hondo and Fabian's world.