SHERMAN CRUNCHLEY

Canine police officer Sherman Crunchley has no desire to take a bite out of crime. And he really doesn't want to fill his father's shoes as police chief, even though it's a family tradition. Given the elder Crunchley's imminent retirement, however, it seems inevitable that affable Sherman will be leading Biscuit City's bow-wows in blue—unless he can finally, just once, bring himself to say no. Quick thinking and a bit of haberdashery put Sherman and his dad on the same wavelength. Numeroff and Evans (who teamed up for Monster Munchies ) have crafted a mild-mannered, humorous tale about handling a difficult situation. Bowers (previously paired with Numeroff for Sometimes I Wonder If Poodles Like Noodles ) brightens the proceedings considerably with softly textured oil paintings of pleasant pooches seen from a variety of angles. His friendly assortment of breeds donning human clothes makes Biscuit City look like a swell place to serve and protect. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)