Mr. Basset Plays,Used

From School Library Journal PreSchoolGrade 3Something is missing in Mr. Basset's life. Rich beyond his wildest dreams, the hound enjoys a mansion and a private butler, but is unfulfilleduntil he sees puppies and kittens playing outside. "By my grandmother's tail, I know what I've been missing! I want to play!" He orders his butler to purchase the same things with which the little ones amuse themselves. But instead of getting a toy boat and horse, musical instruments, and paint and paper, Walter buys a 60foot yacht, a trip around the world to collect art, a real horse, and a symphony orchestra. But none of it suits sad and depressed Mr. Basset, who ultimately takes to his bed. Finally, Walter insists that his employer go outside, and a pajamaclad Mr. Basset accidentally catches a passing ball. Voil?! Mr. Basset has found the key to his happiness: youngsters to play with. Large, bold illustrations fill the pages with color, bringing these welldressed characters to life with personality and humor.Leslie Barban, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SCCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product Description Each morning Mr. Reginald E. Basset wakes up in the big bedroom of his huge mansion. And each morning brings more of the same: contracts, payrolls, and purchases. Reginald E. Basset is very rich. He has important things to do. But in spite of all his wealth and activity, he feels something is missing in his life. One day, while gazing out his office window, he notices children who seem to be enjoying themselves in the park. What could be making them so happy? He calls for his butler and eagerly asks what the children are doing. Whenhis butler replies, "They're playing, sir," Reginald E. Basset realizes what he's been missing. He decides then and there what he wants: He wants to play. But will play be enough to make Reginald E. Basset happy? Dominic Catalano's humorous story, with big, bold illustrations, features an endearing hound who's on a quest to discover the important things in life. From Booklist KGr. 3. Wealthy basset hound Reginald E. Basset seems to have everything: a mansion, a devoted butler and staff, important work that fills his days. Still, there's something missing. When Basset sees children happily playing outside, sailing toy boats, blowing musical instruments, painting pictures, he decides that a little recreation is what he needs. But somehow his efforts don't bring the joy he had hoped foruntil he realizes that the missing ingredient in his life is really friends. The text incorporates apt similes and descriptions (Mr. Bassett's todo list is as "long as the hind leg of a greyhound"), and there's lots of tailwagging, barking, whimpering, and growling to convey emotion. The richly hued, carefully shaded art catches an expressive catanddog cast engaged in familiar activities, with witty caninerelated details placed throughout. As Mr. Basset learns, wealth doesn't mean having it all, but having friends is pricelessat any age. Shelle RosenfeldCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved About the Author Dominic Catalano is the author and illustrator of Santa and the Three Bears and Frog Went ACourting. He lives in Ohio.