Happy Birthday, Moe Dog - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 2 A book that is low on plot but abundant in color with almost psychedelic patterns that are too busy for the picture book crowd. The slim story opens at the start of Moe Dog's special day as he is greeted by an animated letter H. Adult readers will soon surmise that each letter of the final greeting will spell ``Happy Birthday.'' Each letter brings him a present or dresses him in a suit and crown, or helps pamper him (he gets a birthday bubble bath). To stretch the plot, the T gets stuck in a tent outside and must be rescued by the flying letter A. The dialogue is inane (`` `Where am I?' cried the T. `Oh, here I am.' '') Overall, the pictures are perky but may confuse young children. For example, the letter R appears backwards when it is first introduced. Also, the two-page spread showing the letters linked to spell their timely message features a black background against the yellow sky. They had been standing on green grass so it is hard to imagine where they arenot on top of the cake, since it's pink and white. It's a shame that this canine couldn't have had more interesting friends for his fantasy celebration. Marianne Pilla, formerly at Allard K. Lowenstein Lib . of Long Beach, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Moe Dog's birthday is literally a happy one. He wakes up in the morning to be greeted by a friendly H near his bed and a flying orange A outside his window. Other colorful characters participate in the day's celebrationthe two P's cook and B runs a bubble bath, while another A and a Y carry in the cake. All the letters gather 'roundin orderto dance and play for the occasion. An emphasis on patterns here is skillfully spelled out as a contrast to the simple line forms of the letters. Heller's kaleidoscopic color variations are sure to attract and snare even the most ambivalent reader. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.