Simon and the Better Bone
by Corey R. Tabor; illus. by the author
Preschool    Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins    40 pp.
5/23    9780063275553    $19.99

Based on Aesop’s “The Dog and His Reflection,” Tabor’s (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 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.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.