Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 1-3. A stray cat the color of "mashed prunes" shows up on Henry and Mudge's doorstep. Henry's dad says they can keep the cat until a home is found for it--a process that takes just enough time for Henry and Mudge to fall in love with the raggedy little stray. When the cat is claimed by its owner, a policeman, Henry and Mudge mourn. A streak of humor lightens the story, and a gift from the policeman helps Henry and Mudge get over their blues. Simple vocabulary and a surprising range of emotions brightly color the tale. A welcome new offering for Henry and Mudge fans. --Denise Wilms
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Henry and Mudge need no introduction. The dog and his young master continue to delight emergent readers with their exciting adventures marked by affection, joy, surprise and wonder. In this eighth episode of the series by Cynthia Rylant (S&S, 1990), they find a stray cat that has "a saggy belly, skinny legs and fur that looked like mashed prunes." It may be the shabbiest cat, but it soon becomes the happiest one. Henry and Mudge fear that the rightful owner may appear to claim their stray. The dramatic narration by George Guidall intensifies the story with pathos, suspense and humor; his reading pace is perfectly attuned to the ability of young readers. There is always a constant demand for Henry and Mudge adventures.-Patricia Mahoney Brown, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Kenmore, NY (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.
Review by Horn Book Review
A scruffy cat with fur that 'looks like mashed prunes' worms its way into Henry's household and gains the bemused acceptance of his enormous dog, Mudge. The book's three chapters have a liveliness and originality not often found at the easy-to-read level. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The stray cat that turns up on the doorstep may look ""like mashed prunes,' but Henry's huge dog likes it--though, as Dad is quick to point out, Mudge also likes turkey gizzards. The cat strikes up a relationship with Mudge that is close, funny, and--to anyone who has ever observed such a friendship--charmingly realistic; then, in a refreshingly unclichÉd conclusion, the cat goes back to his previous owner. This may be the best yet in Rylant's popular series. Freshly original, natural-sounding language, an engaging stow, and Stevenson's deft but informal illustrations combine in a notably affectionate adventure. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
