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: Puppy Mudge Has a Snack and Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath.]

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 Su ie 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 Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.