Callie Cat, Ice Skater
By: Eileen Spinelli,
Illustrated by: Anne Kennedy
Published by: Albert Whitman & Company, in Illinois USA2007
Age: 5years and up.
Theme: Joy, Friendship,
First Lines: Winter was Callie’s favourite season. In winter she would go ice skating. Callie loved ice skating. She loved it more than chocolate cake. More than her fuzzy red sweater. Even more than going to the mall.
Synopsis: (jacket flap) 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 beautiful story demonstrates. Anne Kennedy’s exuberant art shows a unique heroine in motion.
Why I like it: When I first saw this book on the shelf , picked it up and flicked through the pages, it reminded me very much of a writing friends e-book. Gorgeous illustrations, snow and a competition. While hers was about friendship and that even if your little, you can accomplish anything. This story was about regardless of whether you win or lose, it’s about enjoyment. So even if you lose, you still really win. Because the prize is in doing what you enjoy. So when all her friends thought she would win, it didn’t really matter to Callie when she didn’t.
A beautiful story I thought I would share, since those of you in the northern hemisphere are still weathering the white fluffy stuff. Keep warm.
Resources/Findings: I didn’t find any resources with this story, but did come across a website about behaviours and teaching kids about winning and losing. http://www.kidpointz.com/parenting-articles/tweens-teens/extracurricular-activities/view/winning-losing-teach-kids
Here’s a how to teach pre-schoolers to ice skate…. Other links also available here…. http://preschooler.thebump.com/teach-young-children-ice-skate-5221.html
Here is a link to listen to the story…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me7C1PXajH8
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Haven’t seen this one from Eileen yet – looking forward to it!
Glad you like it. Hope you find it, Julie.
I haven’t seen this one either. I was a figure skater and am always drawn to books like this. Skating is about having fun and challenging yourself. And, it is the perfect winter book for us. Another 3+ inches of snow today. This weather is getting old real fast. More expected for tomorrow. Kids will be hitting the ice rinks.
Oh wow! Pat, I never knew you figure skated. I love watching it on tv in competitions. Friends when I was in Toronto, years ago dragged me around a skating rink trying to get me to skate…. hilarious memory! Wow, more snow, keep warm.
Callie sounds like an adorable character. This is a Spinellinone I don’t know. thanks, Diane!
Arrrr…… this reminded me of your lovely book. Take a peek! Your welcome, Joanna.
I don’t know anything about ice skating (ice slipping and sliding, yes), but Callie sounds like a winner. I’ll have to look for this one!
mm…. me too, rhythm, me too. Hope you find it. I think you will enjoy it.
Her books are so well written. I like the message here. Surprised I haven’t seen this yet . . .
It is a lovely message, Joanne. Hope you find it. Enjoy!
This is a very cute book. I have seen it before.
Yes it is very cute. Thanks Darlene.
Thanks for this PPB suggestion, Diane. I actually needed this message. Writing/illustrating can be a defeating job….until we remember we are doing what we love and ‘living in our imagination’ as SkippyJonJones’ author (Judy Schachner) says.
So true, Laura. Actually I didn’t realise how close to home the message was, until I had posted it here….. Thanks for that, and your very welcome.
I love Mrs. Spinelli’s books (and Mr. Spinelli’s, for that matter), yet I haven’t seen this one at all. I’ll check it out! 😀
Ah Huh! So I found one you hadn’t read…. Cool! Hope you like it Erik, it’s real cute. Has a great message!
Sounds like a cute one with an excellent message!
Hi Penny, yes it is real cute and I love the message, just what we need, I think.