travels, Harry becomes grimier and grimier while getting a taste of the real world. He encounters train tracks ("Don't play on them!" the Narrator warns), surfer dudes (a hilarious Zambor and Wolfe) and dogs (also played with much energy by Zambor and Wolfe) who speak with a cockney accent.

To the young audience's delight, Harry's adventures require plenty of participation. Kids get to prance around on stage as a human train, make jackhammer noises and traffic sounds, and shout, "Harry is a dirty dog!" on cue (and with some parental coaxing).

But even the most exciting journeys-and dirty days-must come to an end, and Harry's does in a moment of reflection when the surfers tell him how lucky he is to have a family and a home. "You really think so?" Harry earnestly replies. Realizing what heartache his disappearance must be causing his owners, Harry, who has changed from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots, joyfully returns to his family.

As the spunky, independent Harry, Hartford does a superb job of making her character accessible to youngsters, while using language sophisticated enough to engage parents. ("I am miffed at my family," the dog says at one point). Parents will also appreciate the oldies music, which includes the Beach Boys' "Surfing U.S.A." and "Purple People Eater."

"Harry the Dirty Dog" is best appreciated by three- to six-year-olds, but its