School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-- A man walking a very obedient collie makes a big impression on Henry and his dog, Mudge. When Henry realizes how unruly Mudge can be, he decides to take him to dog school. While shopping for a new leash, a collar, and liver treats for Mudge, he gets a paddle-ball for himself to use to calm his nerves. His pup is not the best student, but the two practice a lot until test time. Sure enough, Mudge comes through and passes with flying colors. Once again, Rylant has taken a simple, rather routine happening in the life of a boy and his dog and made it into a special event, seen through the eyes of a child. Stevenson's pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons flesh out the story, set the humorous scenes, and make it an appropriate title for picture-book audiences as well as for beginning readers. --Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Mudge is enrolled in dog school, and Henry is nervous that Mudge might drool on the teacher's foot and flunk out of school. Though Mudge is not a perfect student, he passes his final exam with flying colors - and 'then' he drools on the teacher's foot. This lovable duo continue to be endearing companions for early readers. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In ``The Tenth Book of Their Adventures,'' Henry realizes that Mudge has never been taught such commands as ``sit'' and ``heel.'' With the help of a patient teacher, home practice, and innumerable ``liver treats,'' the huge dog does learn to ``stay,'' at least long enough to pass his training course-- though Mudge's forte is clearly being lovable rather than obedient. Not the best in this grand series, but still a fine story for beginners, with appealing characters, lifelike situations, and charmingly comical illustrations. (Easy reader. 5-8)
Booklist Review
Ages 5-7. School phobia can occur at any time, as readers learn in this tenth book about Henry and his huge, ungainly dog, Mudge. Henry decides his canine needs the discipline and refinement that Papp's Dog School can accomplish--he hopes. Armed with a new collar and leash, a box of liver treats, and a new paddleball for him~self, Henry goes off with Mudge to Mr. Papp's classes (play~ing paddleball soothes Henry when he is nervous about things like Mudge flunking school, drooling on his teacher, sitting on top of another dog, or taking a nap at the wrong time). Mudge learns well, thanks to a clever teacher, a devoted owner, and many boxes of liver treats. This author-illustrator team has been a boon to beginning readers. With plots based on common primary-grade experiences, smooth texts with a dollop of humor, a boy and a dog of equal height who love each other uncondi~tionally, and sprightly color drawings on every page, the series should be a part of every library. ~--Deborah Abbott
