Published by Balzer + Bray

Summary:  Based on Aesop’s fable about the dog and its reflection, this story shows Simon, a dog who has found what he considers to be the best bone ever.  When he looks into the water, though, he discovers another dog with what looks to be an even better bone.  After a staring contest, some growling, and a few other tactics to get the dog to give up its bone, Simon dives in after it, losing his own bone in the process.  Back out of the water, he discovers a new bone and generously drops it into the water for the other dog.  Simon heads for home, feeling happy that he’s made a new friend.  40 pages; ages 3-8.

Pros:  This book is read from top to bottom in the style of Tabor’s Caldecott honor book Mel Fell.  The illustrations are charming, kids will get some laughs from Simon’s antics, and it could make a good intro to Aesop’s fables.

Cons:  One of my favorite parts of Mel Fell is all the funny animals Mel passes on her way down the tree and back up again. There wasn’t as much of that visual humor in this book.