Puppy Mudge Has a Snack

From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 1-In this simple, predictable story, Mudge wants Henry to share his food. The puppy climbs on the boy, sits on top of him, and then drools all over the floor. Finally, the pooch rolls over, prompting Henry to say, "Mudge, you are TOO cute" before giving him a bowl of crackers. The lyrical language and intriguing plotting, hallmarks of Rylant's original "Henry and Mudge" series, are missing here. Mones's colorful illustrations provide the requisite picture clues about the text, but Henry is depicted with angular cheekbones and a spiky haircut that give him a preadolescent appearance. Beginning readers who love dogs will find more satisfaction with Alyssa Satin Capucilli's "Biscuit" books (HarperCollins) or Mary Labatt's Pizza for Sam and Sam Finds a Monster (both Kids Can, 2003) until their skills support the more demanding and gratifying series about these lovable characters.