July 1, 1993
Gr 1-3- -Mike, who plays second base, gets help and encouragement from his dog, Harry, with whom he communicates telepathically. As he did in The Dog That Pitched a No-Hitter (Little, 1988), the boy counts on his pet's encouragement whenever he plays, but now-on the day before the big game-Harry is grounded for nipping another dog. By the bottom of the last inning the score is tied, and Mike is sorely in need of Harry's advice, when Mom relents and arrives at the field with the Airedale. Predictably, Mike scores the winning run. The story is somewhat contrived, but it will serve as an additional beginning chapter book for young baseball fans. Vasconcellos's humorous black-and-white line drawings add some appeal. Purchase where the previous book is a big hit. -Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
January 1, 1993
Nothing conceptually groundbreaking occurs in this lightweight adventure; Mike steals home to score the winning run in the big game once his mother lets his dog, Harry -- with whom he can communicate telepathically -- come to his side as a base coach. Mild entertainment, complemented by cartoonlike line drawings.
(Copyright 1993 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)