cover image Mother Grumpy's Dog Biscuits: A True Tail

Mother Grumpy's Dog Biscuits: A True Tail

Becky Wilson-Kelly, Becky Wilson Kelly. Henry Holt & Company, $12.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8050-1287-3

Mother Grumpy bakes the best dog biscuits in the world but, as Wilson-Kelly puts it, ``Let's say her name suited her.'' A stubby bulldog with the eyes of a maniac, Mother Grumpy causes her business to suffer as a result of the insults (``Make up your mind, beagle brains!'') she heaps on her patrons. When friendly, well-meaning Ernest offers to help in her shop, she unceremoniously tosses him out. But she slams the door on her tail, and thus injured, forces Ernest to do the baking. This routine is even worse: Mother Grumpy must deal with customers all day long (``Eat fast and scram, please!''), while Ernest can't bake for beans. At the end of the day the two are exhausted and unhappy, until Mother Grumpy gets the brilliant idea to switch places. Detailed, entertaining cartoony illustrations and street - smart dialogue in balloons over characters' heads make this a winner. A recipe for Bumpy Cookies is also included. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)