PreS-Gr 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.-Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

When someone steals the lucky dice from bus driver Melvin's rear-view mirror, he's emotionally incapable of driving. In their sixth book, Bunny and Jack, a pair of animal detectives, successfully track down the thief and resolve both the thief's and Melvin's problems. The acrylic, gouache, and pencil illustrations of the animal characters are a good match for the silly, easy-to-read text.