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PRESCHOOL
Tabor, Corey R.

Simon and the Better Bone

40 pp. | HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray | May, 2023 | Trade ISBN 9780063275553 $19.99
(2) PS Based on Aesop's "The Dog and His Reflection," Tabor's ([cf2[Mel Fell, rev. 3/21) book once again makes smart use of vertical orientation to enhance this story of a puppy interacting with his own reflection in the water. Simon, playing by the pond, finds a bone: "If there was a better bone in all the world, Simon hadn't seen it." Then he spots not only another puppy in the pond but also "a better[cf1 bone." The preschoolers at whom this playful story is aimed will delight in being one up on the main character: it's Simon's reflection he has deemed his antagonist. He challenges the "other dog" (a staring contest, a warning growl) and eventually pounces. After having lost his bone by jumping in the water and still believing his reflection is another creature, Simon takes pity on him: both have lost their bones. When Simon spots another bone in the dirt, he drops it into the water as a gift to his new "friend." Friendly pastel-hued illustrations with white space and loose, energetic lines capture the abundant vigor of a young pup. Subtle design choices enhance the story, such as Tabor's name on the cover appearing as if it's floating in water. The egocentric stage of a child's development is expertly (and adorably) depicted.
Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

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