From Booklist
K-Gr. 3. Wealthy basset hound Reginald E. Basset seems to have everything: a mansion, a devoted butler and staff, important work that fills his days. Still, there's something missing. When Basset sees children happily playing outside, sailing toy boats, blowing musical instruments, painting pictures, he decides that a little recreation is what he needs. But somehow his efforts don't bring the joy he had hoped for--until he realizes that the missing ingredient in his life is really friends. The text incorporates apt similes and descriptions (Mr. Bassett's to-do list is as "long as the hind leg of a greyhound"), and there's lots of tail-wagging, barking, whimpering, and growling to convey emotion. The richly hued, carefully shaded art catches an expressive cat-and-dog cast engaged in familiar activities, with witty canine-related details placed throughout. As Mr. Basset learns, wealth doesn't mean having it all, but having friends is priceless--at any age. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
