Fudge

This winning story about Chad and his dog begins when a brown Labrador retriever gives birth to 11 puppies. The dog's owners promise puppies to Chad and other kids in the neighborhood. Chad falls in love with the runt of the litter, which he names Fudge. But his chances of keeping Fudge dwindle when Chad's pregnant mother finds out that she's having twins. Chad has to prove that he's responsible enough to care for Fudge all by himself, or he can't keep the dog. It's no surprisebut extremely satisfyingwhen Fudge becomes part of the family. The realistic story shows how kids who don't always get along learn to understand one another; Chad is just as disappointed as a girl named Leslie when it looks like she won't get a puppy. Harness's pictures add tenderness to the tale. Ages 812. (April)