These books lack the liveliness and imagination of the original Henry and Mudge easy readers. Geared to a younger audience, the books feature very simple, repetitive texts (This is Henry. / This is Henry's puppy Mudge. Mudge loves mud). Clear, humorous illustrations (in the style of Suçie Stevenson) provide some clues for new readers. [Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: [cf2]Puppy Mudge Has a Snack[cf1] and [cf2]Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath[cf1].] From HORN BOOK Fall 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 1-This slight tale is tailored to the needs of beginning readers with a vocabulary of approximately 40 words. Rylant casts her well-loved characters in a prequel set during Mudge's puppy days. The irresistible pooch loves getting muddy, but doesn't love baths. Henry solves this dilemma by getting in the tub with him. Mones's serviceable pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons, done in the style of Suie Stevenson's work, exaggerate the dog's charms. However, neither puppy Mudge nor Henry looks noticeably younger than in the earlier books; in fact, if you go back, you'll see that puppy Mudge looks nothing like the dog depicted in the original series. Though the pup is as engaging as always, this derivative spin-off does not meet the high standards set by the original series.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.