Harry the Dirty Dog

Gene Zion's classic 1956 picture book, previously adapted in a live-action version in 1987, is here fully animated, staying faithfully close to the original illustrations by Margaret Bloy Graham. In this perennial favorite, Harry--a black dog with white spots--runs away from home to avoid a bath, and manages to get much dirtier after playing at a construction site and sliding down a coal chute. In fact, when he returns home, Harry's family doesn't recognize him. This is, of course, a major bummer for Harry...until he comes up with a (cleansing) solution. A fun story overall, but it's questionable how much contemporary children will identify with the '50's style which the producers have maintained. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)