Henry and Mudge and the Sneaky Crackers

Cynthia Rylant has created another entertaining story in her extensive Henry and Mudge series. The dynamic duo of boy and dog has charmed many young readers; in this story Rylant focuses on the mystery and fascination of a code-cracking spy kit. This subject makes for absorbing read-along material, and narrator Suzanne Toren's kid-friendly pace is also just right: not too slow (boring), but perfectly timed to allow readers a moment to enjoy the funny pictures. Light, entertaining sound effects capturing doggy drool and barked affection add to the fun, while musical expression in the background rounds out the listening experience. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

Almost all kids love stories about dogs, and the Henry and Mudge series epitomizes most kid's fantasies about the perfect boy/dog relationship--they are wonderful friends, they understand each other, and they complement each other in all their adventures. In this story, Henry buys a spy kit, and he and Mudge learn how to be spies. Narrator George Guidall creates a young, enthusiastic voice for Henry, and a large, ponderous, slow voice for Mudge. Guidall reads this fun-filled adventure with humor, and maintains the same vocal inflections to create patterns and repetition, which in turn invite young listeners to participate. A great selection from this well-loved series for beginning readers. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine