It's Henry's birthday in the latest joyful, very simple chapter book about Henry and his huge dog, Mudge. The brief text and large, bright watercolor illustrations show Henry waking up with his pet, enjoying gifts and cake at his party with his parents and his friends, and swinging at a pin{¤}ata to crack it wide open. The pleasure is in the details, which will lure beginning readers and also make a happy read-aloud for younger kids. (Reviewed Apr. 15, 1995)

The fourteenth book of the adventures of the irrepressible canine Mudge and his boy Henry is as delightful as the earlier books. Henry's birthday involves plenty of cake, ice cream, games of ring toss, family photos, and dog biscuits. The cheerful chaos of the special day is expressed both by Rylant's simple text and Stevenson's ebullient ink and watercolor illustrations.

K-Gr 3--Saying birthday cake,''ice cream,'' and ``crackers'' gets the lovable pup's attention focused on the Best Day of All, his master's birthday. In four short chapters, these best buddies enjoy a special breakfast, a party with games and presents, and, of course, cake. And after the fun-filled afternoon, Henry, his parents, and Mudge (all featured in cartoon-style with lots of color) nap in the yard. With this 14th book in the series, Rylant and Stevenson continue to give beginning readers very easy-to-read stories of love and friendship.--Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID