George

Chances are children don't know many dogs like George. George belongs to a boy named Peter, who lives with his grandfather, a zookeeper. He goes to school every day with Peter, becomes ``the most educated dog in the country'' and one day begins to talk. He shares his knowledge with the animals in the zoo, who also start speaking, much to Grandfather's surprise. So George opens a school for the animals, who love their classes in geography, math, singing and dancing. But the clever dog soon realizes that he has taught the animals all that he can, and he goes off to see the world. George writes often, and Peter reads his letters to the animals in the zoo. At last George sends the letter that all his pals have been waiting for: he announces that he is coming home. Borovsky's primitive, often humorous illustrations are more inventive than his text. Young readers will find the language somewhat flat, and may be disappointed by the story's abrupt ending. Ages 4-up. (Mar.)