Author(s): Timo Parvela

Junior Fiction

Purdy the cat and Barker the dog live together in a sky-blue house on top of a hill. But while the two friends share a house, they are as different as cat and dog can be. Purdy has big dreams, while Barker likes to potter in the garden. Purdy likes to eat fish, but it is Barker who must scoop them from the lake for dinner. Their days together bring quarrels and contradictions, as they work out how friendship can win out in the end.

Bicycling to the Moon by Timo Parvela is a series of delightful stories with two main characters at its centre; Purdy and Barker are a cat and a dog who live in the blue house on the hill. Purdy is a showoff inclined to boasting, but also has wonderful dreams and ambitions. Barker is kind and gentle and, while it seems Purdy often has the upper hand, it is Barker who quietly goes about life enjoying the best of every day. Both have a zest for life, whether adventuring or relaxing; they are great friends and the stories are endearing. Wonderfully told, lovingly illustrated, great to read aloud and filled with character, this book of playful fables will become a favourite.

{STELLA}