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Call the Puffins #1
Call the Puffins
First in a new series about puffins and teamwork.
Welcome to the island of Egg where a group of young puffins are in training to join a search and rescue team. Meet Muffin who is following in her dad's footsteps and anxious not to let him down. Everything is new. There is so much to learn and new friends to be made. And how amazing to rescue birds and eggs in danger! Muffin and the other puffins can't wait to get started.
Welcome to the island of Egg where a group of young puffins are in training to join a search and rescue team. Meet Muffin who is following in her dad's footsteps and anxious not to let him down. Everything is new. There is so much to learn and new friends to be made. And how amazing to rescue birds and eggs in danger! Muffin and the other puffins can't wait to get started.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2023
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Cath Howe
27 books27 followersCath Howe is an author and teacher working in South West London writing for, and working with, Key Stage 2 primary age children.
Her first two books were published in 2012 by Pearson in their Bug Club, “The Curse of the Highwayman” and “The Highwayman’s Revenge”. She has won prizes for stories, poems and monologues and even written a musical. Over the past seven years, she has also led children to victory in local festivals performing her work.
Cath Howe runs workshops in schools on everything to do with writing and performing, teaches gifted writers, coaches children for auditions, develops plays and scripts for festivals; everything about being inspired and creative.
Member of SCWBI (Society of Children's Writers of the British Isles), NAWE (National Association of Writers in Education), The Society of Authors and Writer in Residence at Kingston University Writing School.
Her first two books were published in 2012 by Pearson in their Bug Club, “The Curse of the Highwayman” and “The Highwayman’s Revenge”. She has won prizes for stories, poems and monologues and even written a musical. Over the past seven years, she has also led children to victory in local festivals performing her work.
Cath Howe runs workshops in schools on everything to do with writing and performing, teaches gifted writers, coaches children for auditions, develops plays and scripts for festivals; everything about being inspired and creative.
Member of SCWBI (Society of Children's Writers of the British Isles), NAWE (National Association of Writers in Education), The Society of Authors and Writer in Residence at Kingston University Writing School.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 22, 2023
Muffin the puffin is my hero
June 7, 2023
Super cute beginner chapter book for readers aged 6+ with gorgeous illustrations and a heartwarming plot, definitely a series I'll be collecting and sharing with my pupils :)
August 21, 2023
Muffin has big changes coming in her life. She has nested with her mom and dad for all her days so far, but today she is going to the Island of Egg. It is there she will learn new skills that will determine her future. She is a little nervous and a lot excited about what is coming for her. Her father flies with Muffin to the Island of Egg. Dad had trained there when he was young. He had become a rescue puffin, and Muffin thinks that sounds like something she would like to do. When they get to the island, they land near the old Shine Tower. An officer comes out to greet them. He explains to Muffin that she must take some tests to see what assignment she will receive. First, she has to dive after a special shell and bring it back to the officer. Next, she has to fly as fast as she can around the tower to fetch a flag. But when she sees a huge egg, she remembers puffins must never leave an egg unattended. By the time she figures out it isn’t a real egg, much time has passed. When she explains to the officer what happened, he gives her another test. Soon Muffin gets through her tests and begins her training as a rescue puffin. The troops learn a baby bird has gone missing. They need to find her quickly. Muffin and her new friend Tiny are assigned to check near the cliffs, where they hear a sound. It is the missing baby bird. Can the two of them rescue her?
Cath Howe has written a sweet story that will resonate with emerging readers as they navigate their own learning process. The characters are fun and relatable for youngsters, and the story is compelling enough to keep those pages turning. Cute illustrations throughout will help to keep youngsters involved with the characters and story. This is a great book for emerging readers. I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can see more of my reviews on my blog at https://rosihollinbeck.com/blog.
Cath Howe has written a sweet story that will resonate with emerging readers as they navigate their own learning process. The characters are fun and relatable for youngsters, and the story is compelling enough to keep those pages turning. Cute illustrations throughout will help to keep youngsters involved with the characters and story. This is a great book for emerging readers. I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can see more of my reviews on my blog at https://rosihollinbeck.com/blog.
February 9, 2025
Perfect for late ks1 (or as class reader) and early KS2 although I think that several of our older ones would love this!
We're on the Island of Egg, where pufflings are taught to look after one another and to always check on unattended eggs.
Muffin is leaving her family to join the other pufflings she's a bit worried about her big turned up feet. Also will she be able to pass the test to be a rescue puffin like her Dad was? She knows what to say when the 'Bird, Bird Bird' call sounds, she dives to collect the shell, but she's a bit slow when she does her flight test... Can she explain why?
In the line of new rescue recruits she meets Tiny, who isn't Tiny! When they begin training next day they are interrupted. A young puffling has gone missing on a training flight. The trained rescuers go looking. Muffin and Tiny have to look around the Shine Tower, but what is that sound?
We're on the Island of Egg, where pufflings are taught to look after one another and to always check on unattended eggs.
Muffin is leaving her family to join the other pufflings she's a bit worried about her big turned up feet. Also will she be able to pass the test to be a rescue puffin like her Dad was? She knows what to say when the 'Bird, Bird Bird' call sounds, she dives to collect the shell, but she's a bit slow when she does her flight test... Can she explain why?
In the line of new rescue recruits she meets Tiny, who isn't Tiny! When they begin training next day they are interrupted. A young puffling has gone missing on a training flight. The trained rescuers go looking. Muffin and Tiny have to look around the Shine Tower, but what is that sound?
May 19, 2025
Muffin loves the safety of her home, cuddled between Mom and Dad on Egg Island. But the time has come for her to leave and train to see if she can become a rescue puffin like her dad. As she readies to go, she has worries about whether or not she'll be welcomed and will she be able to make friends. Her big feet are so different from others, will that be a problem? But as she goes through training, she makes a new friend, Tiny (who isn't that tiny). Will they be able to make the cut and be selected as an "Unflappable", aka the rescue team? When their very first rescue mission comes up, they soon find out!
This was a cute read, and Muffin's big feet make her relatable as a character who has some physical attribute that they don't like or is different. The illustrations are adorable and animal lovers will enjoy this.
This was a cute read, and Muffin's big feet make her relatable as a character who has some physical attribute that they don't like or is different. The illustrations are adorable and animal lovers will enjoy this.
January 25, 2023
Cath Howe has written an adorably lovely book telling the tale of Muffin the Puffin who leaves her family to become part of the Puffin Rescue team. Muffin and her friend Tiny have to carry out a variety of training activities but this is interrupted to search for a missing baby bird. Muffin and Tiny will appeal to young readers and story listeners with their sense of adventure, camaraderie and hint of mischief. The messages of loyalty, friendship and working as a team are clear and will be perfect for discussion with KS1 learners . This is an ideal story for the classroom and bedtime or for an independent young reader. Ella Okstad’s illustrations bring a warmth and delight. Highly recommended and one I’ll be sharing with colleagues in primary schools and family.
June 21, 2023
This is the lovely and accessible story for younger readers who are gaining confidence in reading independently. It's about a young puffin called Muffin who goes off to 'puffin rescue school' to learn how to help other animals in peril.
He is nervous but resilient, and is a great character to set an example to readers about bravery and doing your best. He makes a friend called Tiny, and together they train to be rescue puffins. Then they go on a real rescue mission when a baby bird goes missing! Obviously it all ends well, with a party in the splash pool!
The story is short and sweet, and the cute illustrations break up the text nicely. Sets up well for a sequel/series and fits in well with topics such as coasts, oceans, etc.And who doesn't love a puffin?!
He is nervous but resilient, and is a great character to set an example to readers about bravery and doing your best. He makes a friend called Tiny, and together they train to be rescue puffins. Then they go on a real rescue mission when a baby bird goes missing! Obviously it all ends well, with a party in the splash pool!
The story is short and sweet, and the cute illustrations break up the text nicely. Sets up well for a sequel/series and fits in well with topics such as coasts, oceans, etc.And who doesn't love a puffin?!
February 5, 2023
I saw the cover of this book and just knew I would love it and was overjoyed to be proved right. The bairns will be caught up in the marvellous idea of the search & rescue team with the delightful puffins from the island of Egg.
The illustrations completely charm you, and the message of the story is just perfect for a world that needs more kindness and appreciation of our differences that make us unique.
An absolute joy from start to finish, I can't wait to read more adventures of Muffin and her friends. Howe & Okstad are a winning combination.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
The illustrations completely charm you, and the message of the story is just perfect for a world that needs more kindness and appreciation of our differences that make us unique.
An absolute joy from start to finish, I can't wait to read more adventures of Muffin and her friends. Howe & Okstad are a winning combination.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
February 20, 2023
Hmmm… Gentle early chapter book, featuring a puffin that wants to become a heroic rescue bird like her father was. The thing is, this so much wants to open a series, that we have to have the introduction to the bird and her entire world, and a new best friend, and a training montage, and then the drama when it comes is almost crammed out of proceedings, so little space is left for it. Like a pancake, the first one is always the limpest and weakest – there is evidence this could be a reasonable set of dramas when complete, but this opener is, while unable to leave a bitter taste, still not satisfying enough.
March 17, 2023
Super cute illustrated fiction adventure for early readers of 5-7.
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
May 16, 2023
This is a fun book looking at friendship and others issues for young children with a great format. I will be getting this for my Year 1 class. The puffin theme makes it adorable and young children will love it.
March 9, 2023
Great for explaining courage, trying new things and going out into the world on your own for the first time to little ones, a warm hearted little book with lovely illustrations.
June 6, 2024
My kiddos really enjoyed this one and wanted me to keep reading until the end! It taught great morals too.
June 25, 2024
Adorable early chapter book! Our second and third graders will adore Muffin the puffin! :-)
July 25, 2024
We loved this cute book!
My son (5) and I enjoyed reading this nice book together. It is a really cute story and we plan to read the next one in the series.
My son (5) and I enjoyed reading this nice book together. It is a really cute story and we plan to read the next one in the series.
May 15, 2025
What a gorgeous little book, with such a lovely wholesome story! The illustrations are beautiful and bring the story to life. The characters are so likeable and kind to each other. It's lovely to have that in a kids' book.
The two young puffins each have a disability or limb difference, and that's explored really well. There are things that make life and flying harder for them because of it, but they also find what they can do and how they can help, and discover that they are uniquely able to do something because of their disability.
The whole book feels very wholesome and it surprised me by being very moving at one point, (namely the part where Tiny wasn't able to help because of his wings, but what he could do was sing to give the other characters courage).
Such a lovely book!
'Puffin lives had been saved and we would never be the same again.' p.54
The two young puffins each have a disability or limb difference, and that's explored really well. There are things that make life and flying harder for them because of it, but they also find what they can do and how they can help, and discover that they are uniquely able to do something because of their disability.
The whole book feels very wholesome and it surprised me by being very moving at one point, (namely the part where Tiny wasn't able to help because of his wings, but what he could do was sing to give the other characters courage).
Such a lovely book!
'Puffin lives had been saved and we would never be the same again.' p.54
June 8, 2023
Why Puffins? Because books featuring animal characters appeal very strongly to children and this book is for readers aged 5 plus who enjoy books about animals. The choice of puffins is also because author Cath Howe loves puffins, and we cannot deny that Puffins are incredibly cute birds! Call the Puffins, published by Welbeck Flame, is illustrated fully in black and white (who needs colour when Ella Okstad can create such characterful puffins in black and white), it has short chapters and a huge appeal. It is also a complete world with a map, characters who will develop as more books appear and strong themes that are important for young children to begin to explore and understand.
Are you ready to meet Team Puffin who promise to be unflappable, to be brave and cross sea and sky when they are needed to rescue birds and eggs and who are always willing to try? Great because the team are ready to meet you and welcome you to the island of Egg where they are training to join the Unflappables a search and rescue team. We are going to meet Muffin, Tiny and Forti, each of them has a worry. Muffin doesn’t want to let her dad down for she is following in his footsteps. Tiny won’t be put off by his eyesight and Forti needs to learn to control his overconfidence. Together they will work hard and earn their places in this first exciting adventure.
Are you ready to meet Team Puffin who promise to be unflappable, to be brave and cross sea and sky when they are needed to rescue birds and eggs and who are always willing to try? Great because the team are ready to meet you and welcome you to the island of Egg where they are training to join the Unflappables a search and rescue team. We are going to meet Muffin, Tiny and Forti, each of them has a worry. Muffin doesn’t want to let her dad down for she is following in his footsteps. Tiny won’t be put off by his eyesight and Forti needs to learn to control his overconfidence. Together they will work hard and earn their places in this first exciting adventure.
July 11, 2023
Call the Puffins
By Cath Howe
Published by Welbeck Publishing Group
Cath Howe has written a delightful new chapter book series for young readers 5+
About puffins, determination and teamwork, school children of all ages will be able to relate to the difficulties these Puffins stumble across everyday.
Welcome to the island of Egg - the training camp for young puffins to join a search and rescue team. The main character Muffin desperately wants to follow in her dad's footsteps, but those anxious feelings tumble around in her tummy.
Will she let her dad down?
Then meet Tiny, whose eyesight is a challenge and Forti who seems so over-confident but who is equally desperate to impress.
Beautifully written, with honest examples of difficulties; fitting in, making the right choices and challenging yourself.
These new recruits have many individual points to prove, but it is the team work and togetherness that helps all the birds on the island.
Successors need a team around them!!
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
#waterstones
By Cath Howe
Published by Welbeck Publishing Group
Cath Howe has written a delightful new chapter book series for young readers 5+
About puffins, determination and teamwork, school children of all ages will be able to relate to the difficulties these Puffins stumble across everyday.
Welcome to the island of Egg - the training camp for young puffins to join a search and rescue team. The main character Muffin desperately wants to follow in her dad's footsteps, but those anxious feelings tumble around in her tummy.
Will she let her dad down?
Then meet Tiny, whose eyesight is a challenge and Forti who seems so over-confident but who is equally desperate to impress.
Beautifully written, with honest examples of difficulties; fitting in, making the right choices and challenging yourself.
These new recruits have many individual points to prove, but it is the team work and togetherness that helps all the birds on the island.
Successors need a team around them!!
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
#waterstones
April 15, 2024
Muffin is a little puffin ready to head off to the Island of Egg and see if she has what it takes to become a search and rescue team member. Muffin really wants to help others as a rescuer, but she was born with abnormal feet and she's worried they may prevent her from her dream.
Muffin is a very cute puffin with a good heart. Her abnormal feet were a nice touch to add to the story, showing you don't have to be physically perfect to help others. Okstad's illustrations are a perfect addition to the story. Hand this to beginning readers who love animals and characters with helping, slightly adventurous hearts.
Muffin is a very cute puffin with a good heart. Her abnormal feet were a nice touch to add to the story, showing you don't have to be physically perfect to help others. Okstad's illustrations are a perfect addition to the story. Hand this to beginning readers who love animals and characters with helping, slightly adventurous hearts.
June 11, 2023
I thought this was really cute.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews