Argo, You Lucky Dog

Argo, a white dog with black ears and tail, brings home a ticket he sees on the sidewalk; while his owners are away on a business trip, he discovers that it's a winner. ``Argo's fortune arrived in seventeen ten-pound sacks,'' writes Smith ( There's a Witch Under the Stairs ), while a droll illustration shows Argo burying the green moneybags (readers can indeed count 17 sacks and, consequently, 17 mounds of dirt in Argo's yard). The next morning, concerned about the unsightly holes, Argo calls for some lawn work (complete with dog-shaped topiary and a fire-hydrant fountain); when the house pales by comparison, Argo has it repainted and even commissions a bone-shaped pool. Savvy readers will want to keep an eye on the refurbishers; the same quartet arrives dressed as Felicia's Lawns & Landscaping, Felicia's Painting & Decorating, etc., and every time these Felicia folk visit, they leave with four hefty bags of loot. Meanwhile, the main spotlight shines on Argo's admirable generosity as he remodels the house and garden in doggy decor. Basic math skills come into play as both Argo's cache and his rations of dog food dwindle, and young decorators will find inspiration in Smith's festive watercolors. Ages 4-up. (May)