So the little girl is named Brownie and the cat is named Pearl? Really? That's like if she named the boy Mudge and the dog Henry. ( )

Cynthia Rylant’s picture book is about a little girl who is nervous to go to a friend’s birthday party. While she is deciding whether or not to knock on the door her cat goes through the door, forcing Brownie to go inside. This story is about a girl who overcomes her shyness and has a great time with her friends. ( )

Brownie & Pearl are headed out to a birthday party for kids and cats. Brownie is a bit shy to actually knock at the door, but not Pearl who boldly enters through the cat door. Good for you Pearl! Brownie has to knock now and at the end of the party, is very happy she did.
The color palette used by Brian Briggs first drew me to this new birthday book by Cynthia Rylant. The cover is eye-catching and very cutsie and the story is fun to share aloud and even great for a beginning reader to share with their younger sibling who will be attending their first birthday party. ( )

Brownie arrives at a party with her cat Pearl (“cats are invited”). Brownie is shy at first, but Pearl walks right in, and the two have a lovely time. The first book in the easy reader/picture book series Brownie & Pearl.

AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner: 4.1.1 Read, view, and listen for pleasure and personal growth; 4.1.2 read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading

Rylant, C. & Biggs, B. (2009). Brownie and Pearl step out. Orlando: Harcourt Children's Books.

In "Brownie & Pearl Step Out" Brownie and her cat are on their way to a birthday party. They are both excited to go, yet when they get to the door Brownie is shy and doesn't want to knock on the door. She even thinks about going home. But Pearl, the cat, isn't shy - she goes in the kitty door! Brownie and Pearl enjoy the party and are happy on their walk back home.
This picturebook is intended for ages 3-5, and the text and illustrations are appropriate for the audience. The text is very simple: "Brownie likes the party. She plays games." so it seems suitable for a small child who is learning to read. The illustrations are most similar to cartoon art, with imperfect lines, bright colors, and bubbly shapes. The illustrations seem like they would mostly appeal to girls. There are a few pages with no text at all, where the illustrations tell the story. A cute picturebook that could have included a little more. ( )