Harry the Dirty Dog
Written by Gene Zion
Illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
Published by Red Fox Children's Books
Harry's back, and this time he's dirty. The funniest dog in children's books is back with another adventure, this time with a helpful message about what happens if you're a grubby little urchin. Harry changes from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots through some tactical bath avoidance. Naturally Harry doesn't realise the consequences of being a soap-dodging dog until it's too late.
As ever, Zion and Bloy Graham have come up with a winning book based on Harry's antics, that's as timeless as any of the more well-known children's classics. It's a pity that other books in the series (including one I remember from childhood, Harry and the Lady Next Door) are so hard to get hold of as I'd thoroughly recommend getting the entire set.
Charlotte's Best Bit: Harry's various scrubbing brush hiding places.
Daddy's Favourite Bit: Harry's expression when he knows he's got away without a bath.
Rating: 5 out of 5