Gene Zion (1913–1975)

No Roses for Harry! is part of a series of books featuring the “white dog with black spots”. It was published in 1958 and I think my (taped & well-worn) copy of this charming tale was printed then.

Harry receives a gift from Grandma: a green sweater with yellow roses. He doesn’t like it much and tries to lose in a department store, to no avail. despite his cleverness trying to disguise the sweater in the spots he leaves it.Then a bird unravels a loose thread and takes Harry’s sweater show more to build a nest. When Grandma comes to visit, Harry doesn’t have his sweater! But Harry’s story has a happy ending – of course. Zion’s story is delightful.

What is it about Margaret Bloy Graham’s drawings? In this book, they’re line drawings with two colors- in this case, the green & yellow that are in the sweater. But what a use of those two colors! A house with windows with curtains and plants, clothes on the line, a toy truck, the sun, the trees, the other dogs, all in green & yellow. But the pictures are far from boring; they are full of detail while seeming simple.

I love reading about Harry’s antics and looking at the house & town that Graham brings to life. Maybe I can’t be objective about Harry so I’ll only give this 4 stars. But then I’ll add another half for the sheer nostalgia. 4½ stars

Written by: Gene Zion
Illustrated by: Margaret Bloy Graham
Published by: Harper & Row, NY 1958 show less

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion follows Harry, a white dog with black spots, who does not like to take baths. To avoid taking a bath, he runs away and indulges in a fun day of playing in dirt and getting messy. He gets so messy that he becomes unrecognizable when returning home, and he has to prove he is who he says he is. This book explores the themes of independence, identity, and belonging. The journey he took helped him explore his will, but also ended up reminding him of the true show more comfort he has at home. The narrative follows a linear structure and uses humorous, clear language. The illustrations are also detailed and use bright colors, which engage readers. show less

This story is very simple but an entertaining read. It is written in third person and tells a story about a family dog who runs away from home because he didn't want to take a bath. Harry, the dog, then walks around the town. The illustrations do a good job portraying the different parts of town. One aspect of this book that I found interesting is the very apparent color scheme. Most, if not all, the pictures are drawn using black, yellow, and green. This is such a unique trio of colors, show more that it makes the illustrations stand out. The language used in this story is very concise and clear. I think this book is trying to teach readers to not judge someone on their appearence. When Harry returns home, he is very dirty, so dirty that his family did not recognize him. Harry then tried to convince his owners it was him by doing different tricks. Finally they give him a bath and see that it was him all along. 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