ADDLE RUNS AWAY

The title characters from Addle Meets Max (1985) return in a comically true-to-life look at coming to terms with the apprehensions attendant on going to camp for the first time. Early one morning, Max discovers Addie hiding in his dog Ginger's doghouse with a large suitcase: rather than go to camp, where she won't know anyone, she's running away--but as Max points out, if she runs away she will also be where she doesn't know anyone. Pajama-clad, he pursues Addie and his argument through the neighborhood till both children agree to go to Camp Putt, together. The kids' dialogue is beguilingly pungent despite its limited vocabulary; Truesdell's amusingly detailed illustrations add to the vivacity and humor. A winning choice for beginning readers.