Gene Zion (1913–1975)

Cute little picture book in which a white dog with black spots who does not want a bath escapes for some very dirty adventures that result in him looking like a black dog with white spots. He's so dirty that his family doesn't recognize him! Finally, he brings them a scrub brush for a proper bath, they realize he's their dog, and they're all happily together again.

The book's a little dated--kids aren't going to know what a coal chute is and we don't have coal dust-spewing trains anymore. show more Still, a few props to the author for having a white dog with black spots becoming a black dog with white spots; it doesn't totally avoid the association of black with dirt and wrong, and white with clean and right, but at least it's not a total black-and-white situation (pun totally intended). show less

I think this is a perfect picture book. I remember loving the story when I was little, and I love it just as much now, if not more. There’s a clear initial problem: Harry likes everything, except getting a bath. So he buries the scrubbing brush and runs away and has a wonderful day getting dirty, but then when he goes back home (because of course he hasn’t really run away), his family doesn’t recognize him. And when all hope seems lost, he remembers the scrubbing brush and digs it up show more and runs into the house and jumps in the tub and begs for a bath. And so the thing he hates is the thing that saves him. And everyone is happy. And then the last page delivers a delicious last little kick, as Harry dreams of “how much fun it had been getting dirty” and he sleeps so soundly that he doesn’t even feel the scrubbing brush he has hidden under his pillow. His attempt to solve his initial problem has led to a greater problem which he finally solves by accepting the thing he was trying to avoid in the first place. And then comes full circle, hiding the brush again. It’s just so satisfying in every way. show less

I liked this book because it was a simple and funny story, but can teach young readers an important lesson. Since this story is tailored to very young readers, the illustrations were a great contributing factor to the plot of the story. Young students can see that Harry is becoming so dirty from running around and refusing to take a bath that his own family does not recognize him when he comes home. Students who have pets can also relate to what it feels like when their dog goes missing. The show more purpose of this book is to let young children know that they may not always like to take baths or follow other rules at home, but they must listen because if they don't, conflict will arise. show less

I absolutely love this book. I grew up reading this book and think it is amazing. This is a perfect picture book about a dog. It is written for very young children, but I enjoyed it just as much. It is a very clever story and told with a lot of humor and warmth. I like all of the Harry books but this is my absolute favorite.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable and compliment the story very well. They reveal how much mischief Harry really gets in throughout the book.The theme in this show more story is about identity. Harry changes his color of hair multiple times. First he is white with black spots, then he is black with white spots. I think that this shows children that it is okay to be different or to change what you look like.

Overall, I really, really loved this book and would recommend it to everyone, if they haven't already read it. Or if they have they should read it again. show less