The Take-Along Dog

Abigail and Sam's mother is afraid of dogs. When their father brings home a puppy, Benton, their mother says they cannot leave the dog at home with her. At first Abigail and Sam think they will like taking Benton with them, but they soon learn otherwise. They are sent home from swimming when Benton jumps into the pool; they have to leave story hour when Benton climbs on the table; they are kicked out of the movie theater when Benton starts to bark. But when they go to the park for a picnic with their parents, Benton saves the day. Deftly combining humor with Abigail and Sam's very real predicament, Porte, author of the Harry books, has written a pleasing story about what might happen with a take-along dog. The finely detailed watercolor illustrations by McCully delightfully depict the action. Ages 5-up. (Apr.)