Hubbard Dog Take Sport CL

These four fetching farces chronicle various canine capers of this celebrated pet. The eccentric and delightfully dotty Mother Hubbard frets as her dog outsmarts and frazzles his poor mistress at every turn. When she criticizes his coat, the playful dog dresses up first as Lord Nelson, then a clown and a knight in full armor. When chided for reading too much, the wily animal tries out a variety of instruments, leaving the frustrated old dame with pillows clamped over her ears. While some of the idiomatic phrases require a certain facility on the reader's part, the overall richness of language and vibrant humor stand out. The notable pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations sparkle with sass and vitality, as they keep perfect tempo with the marvelously bouncing verse. Ages 2-8. (Sept.)