Ruby and the Muddy Dog

We aren't told much about Ruby, except that she seems to have a home of her own, in which she has a lion and hippo as guests. She also has the ability to understand animals and be understood by them too. The muddy dog arrives on the scene as a homeless wanderer, looking for a roof over his or her head. Ruby extends him a qualified welcome. It seems at first Ruby's altruism is misplaced. (I myself knew someone once who took in a homeless person, only to find later that the person had fled and the goblets and cutlery had gone missing and my aquaintance had to live on fast food until he got a chance to buy some eating and drinking implements). It is at this point that I won't continue, for fear of spoiling the story. Will Dog continue to take advantage of Ruby's hospitality? Will Lion and Hippo end up dispossessed as a result of Dog's thoughtlessness and inconsiderate behaviour? Try this book. I have read it many times to my baby boy (ever since he was 3 months old - and he is currently about 15 months and enjoys it more and more). On one of the first pages (whisper....): There is a very small picture of Lion and Hippo. (end of whisper). Dramatise your reading! Have some fun! 5 stars without hesitation! Muddy dog also appears in Helen Stephens' other great book, Ruby and the Noisy Hippo.

I purchased this book for my daughter - as her name is Rubey."Ruby and the Muddy Dog" is a great Children'book with a moral behind the tale. Dog finds out quickly that by telling lies his friends don't like him and don't want to be his friend anymore. It shows that no matter how bad you think the truth is - you should always tell the truth.The illustrations are excellent - quite funny - especially Dog trying to tidy the mess he makes in the bathroom with the banana bubble bath - with lots to see and point out to children.