School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 2-The creative duo who enchanted early readers with Henry and Mudge have launched Henry's cousin Annie and her pet rabbit in a series of their own. Children who missed Henry and Mudge and Annie's Good Move (1998) and Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet (2000, both S & S) will quickly catch up with these charming characters and their thoughtful friendship. Annie is looking forward to wearing her favorite "ribbons and bows and lace and fancy little shoes" for her birthday celebration and invites Henry, his parents, and Mudge to join her for a "Dress-up Birthday." As Annie and her father greet their guests, they realize that "dressing up" can have several connotations, but learn that a party with special friends brings great happiness. Stevenson's lively pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations depict lots of action in the story's four short chapters, and amplify the characters' warmth, affection, and laughter. Annie has a winning combination of sensitivity, deliberation, girly frills, and fun, and readers will look forward to her next adventure.-Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.