Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-Cynthia Rylant's 17th Henry and Mudge adventure ((S&S, 1998) follows the boy-and-dog pair as they visit Big Bear Lake on a family camping trip. The three brief chapters and charming illustrations include all the ingredients that beginning readers have come to expect from this Ready-to-Read series. Characters are given clear personal attributes: Henry is fun-loving, yet a bit nervous about bears; Mudge is doggedly reassuring and rambunctious; Henry's mother is a former Camp Fire Girl; and Henry's dad makes up for his hopeless outdoor skills with his humor and guitar harmonies. Suzanne Toren's narration flows smoothly and leisurely, allowing listeners to follow along at a beginner's pace. Her voicing conveys amusement and affection, while clearly marking dialogue through varied character intonations. Most impressive are the background audio effects. The idyllic surrounds are suggested by pastoral musical interludes throughout the production. Mudge is characterized by appropriately placed doggy panting and by paws pacing from the left to right headphones. Cynthia Rylant's text and Sucie Stevenson's illustrations are given constant reinforcement with audio clues to enhance beginning readers' comprehension. Listeners hear Henry's dad playing the opening notes of "Love Me Tender" on his guitar in response to the text, the campfire crackles, and crickets chirp as the family sleeps under the twinkling stars and share green dreams together. This audio presentation enhances an already delightful story.-Mary Burkey, Grandview Heights City Schools, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
