  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 09/01/1991 PreS-Gr 3-- A man walking a very obedient collie makes a big impression on Henry and his dog, Mudge. When Henry realizes how unruly Mudge can be, he decides to take him to dog school. While shopping for a new leash, a collar, and liver treats for Mudge, he gets a paddle-ball for himself to use to calm his nerves. His pup is not the best student, but the two practice a lot until test time. Sure enough, Mudge comes through and passes with flying colors. Once again, Rylant has taken a simple, rather routine happening in the life of a boy and his dog and made it into a special event, seen through the eyes of a child. Stevenson's pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons flesh out the story, set the humorous scenes, and make it an appropriate title for picture-book audiences as well as for beginning readers. --Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY - Copyright 1991 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 10/15/1991 School phobia can occur at any time, as readers learn in this tenth book about Henry and his huge, ungainly dog, Mudge. Henry decides his canine needs the discipline and refinement that Papp's Dog School can accomplish--he hopes. Armed with a new collar and leash, a box of liver treats, and a new paddleball for himself, Henry goes off with Mudge to Mr. Papp's classes (playing paddleball soothes Henry when he is nervous about things like Mudge flunking school, drooling on his teacher, sitting on top of another dog, or taking a nap at the wrong time). Mudge learns well, thanks to a clever teacher, a devoted owner, and many boxes of liver treats. This author-illustrator team has been a boon to beginning readers. With plots based on common primary-grade experiences, smooth texts with a dollop of humor, a boy and a dog of equal height who love each other unconditionally, and sprightly color drawings on every page, the series should be a part of every library. (Reviewed Oct. 15, 1991) - Copyright 1991 Booklist. Loading...
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