Fred to the Rescue: #1

One of four titles in the new Fred series, this playful tale introduces Fred--an opinionated, smart-aleck St. Bernard who keeps informed by reading newspapers and magazines as he chews them. The well-meaning mutt explains that his raison d'etre is rescuing his owners, the Duff family, when they get into trouble--or what Fred perceives as trouble. Here, Fred encounters the unexpected when he accompanies Arnie, the youngest Duff, trick-or-treating. (In typically direct fashion, this put-upon pooch explains the pitfalls of Halloween: ``You can't tell who needs saving and who doesn't.'') Henderson's whimsical illustrations nicely enhance Fred's canine capers. Short in length, long on humor and notably fast paced, these novels are sure to capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers. Ages 7-9. ( Apr. )