It's Test Time for Henry and Mudge

My dog could use a few weeks in obedience school. She's an exuberant mutt, a hearty mix of Husky and Hound, and sometimes her enthusiasm gets the better of her. But we picked up enough tricks from our first pup's tenure in dog classes that we've been able to keep her from causing too much trouble. Most of the time.

In Henry and Mudge Take the Big Test, the tenth book in a series for beginning readers by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Sucie Stevenson, it's time lovable, huggable oaf Mudge to prove he can be just as obedient as he is affectionate. The 35-page book is broken up into three sections: The Smart Dog, School and The Big Test. After cheerful young Henry and his mother observe an impressive display by a very well-trained collie in the first part, they decide to enroll Mudge in some classes of his own. He's not a bad dog. But that doesn't keep Henry from being so anxious he has to buy a paddleball to exhaust his nervous energy. What if Mudge flunks out?

A new character, trainer Jack Papp, plays a significant role in this book. He eases Henry's fears when he dances Mudge around the room instead of scolding him when the dog jumps up on him. The methods of this teacher, who looks like a beatnik with his small spectacles, tiny beard and bright clothing, are unconventional, but under his patient tutelage Henry might just learn a thing or two after all. Why, one day, he could even stop drooling on everyone's shoes! But he and Henry both have a lot of work to put in first.

With simple sentences and lively illustrations, Rylant and Stevenson present a story about perseverance with lots of fun doggy antics to sweeten the deal. Whether it's the dog or the child with a great challenge before them, Henry and Mudge Take the Big Test serves as good preparation.