Since 1956, this book has entertained young audiences with its tale of how a white dog with black spots becomes so dirty that it looks like a black dog with white spots. Kids will love watching the canine become dirtier and dirtier after stops at a construction site and playing tag with other dogs. Harry even visits a railroad yard, which is sure to be a big hit for many kids. Preschool-age children tend to have a fascination with dirt and mud puddles and may even despise bathtime as much as Harry so this story hits close to home. The illustrations and simple yet colorful and at times even amusing.

This book serves as a reminder that bathtime is a necessity as even Harry realized that he needed to be clean so that his family would recognize him again. It's also a reminder that while adventure may be fun, it's family and home that is the most important. The set-up of the book offers the chance for kids to fill in the blanks, such as the first page when Harry takes off with the scrubbing brush in his mouth. Ask your child for guesses about what Harry's going to do with the brush to stretch their imaginations and test their problem solving skills.

Emily, the three-year-old that I babysit, absolutely loves Harry. She watches with amusement as Harry goes along his adventure, feels sad for him when his family doesn't recognize him and laughs as he does flips to try to convince his family that it is really him. The simple storyline and adorable portrayal of Harry made her fall in love with him as it did for me twenty years ago and countless others before that.

--Abby