The small boy and his beguiling, huge dog enjoy three more mellow times: a day outdoors after the first snow; Christmas Eve, when Mother and Dad spend all day cooking for the year's most formal candlelight dinner for three--plus Mudge, who is allowed to join them; and a starlit evening walk followed by a peaceful, companionable time by firelight at home. The humor is gentle, the language gracefully cadenced; Stevenson's cheerful illustrations reinforce the family's affection.