Henry And Mudge And Annie's Perfect Pet : Read-to-read Level 2
Gr 1-2-Henry and his lovable mutt take a backseat in this appealing easy-reader. Cousin Annie has moved next door and she longs for a pet like Mudge, but can't have a dog. Henry, Mudge, and Henry's parents decide to help her, and through the process of elimination they succeed in finding the right one. The story is sweet in that Henry and his family honor Annie's style and taste in helping her choose an appropriate pet. Annie wears frilly dresses with matching hair bows (even when bike riding), is quiet and careful, and has a delicate teacup collection, so a loud or wild pet will not do. The small, white bunny with soft eyes and a warm nose is perfect for her flowered and lacy room, especially when her father builds a delicate hutch for it. This is a realistic depiction of a single-parent family (there is no mention of Annie's mother). Stevenson's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are perfectly suited to the story. One can almost feel the saliva dripping from Mudge's droopy jowls. A quiet and careful offering that is sure to please.-Diane Janoff, Queens Library, CLASP Office, NYCopyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.