Fudge - Hardcover

Grade 3-5 Graeber deals with a normal and recurrent childhood theme: a child's desire to have a pet and the parental skepticism that goes along with it. She also portrays some of the responsibilities pet ownership demands in this story of nine-year-old Chad, whose wish for a puppy is curtailed when his mother finds out that she is going to have twins. All ends well, though, as Chad proves that he can care for Fudge, and he also learns that he has to make some sacrifices of his own in the process. Characters are real, the action moves quickly, and the story line will interest children. While Chad may be more understanding than most children, his responses and solutions are believable. Sporadic full-page pencil drawing, although somewhat stiff, break up the large-print text. Both the appealing cover and the topic will attract young readers. Carol Kolb Phillips, The Library, East Brunswick, N.J.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This winning story about Chad and his dog begins when a brown Labrador retriever gives birth to 11 puppies. The dog's owners promise puppies to Chad and other kids in the neighborhood. Chad falls in love with the runt of the litter, which he names Fudge. But his chances of keeping Fudge dwindle when Chad's pregnant mother finds out that she's having twins. Chad has to prove that he's responsible enough to care for Fudge all by himself, or he can't keep the dog. It's no surprisebut extremely satisfyingwhen Fudge becomes part of the family. The realistic story shows how kids who don't always get along learn to understand one another; Chad is just as disappointed as a girl named Leslie when it looks like she won't get a puppy. Harness's pictures add tenderness to the tale. Ages 812.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.