Simon and the Better Bone

Giving readers a front-row seat to a comical encounter based on Aesop's "The Dog and His Reflection," Tabor (Sir Ladybug) once again takes a picture book's physical form into account, asking readers to open it vertically. So done, Simon, a frolicking, floofy brown pooch with highly expressive eyebrows, occupies the top half of each spread, while his reflection in a park pond appears below the book's gutter. Like his fabled progenitor, Simon thinks his reflection is a second pooch with "a better bone" than the excellent specimen in Simon's mouth—and he wants it. Digitally assembled pencil, colored pencil, and acrylic art, which combines textures scribbly and velvety, chronicles Simon's unsuccessful attempts to best his "scrawny little" rival with a series of challenges ("He chased his tail while playing dead while reciting his favorite poem") and a "polite warning." Finally, Simon pounces, loses the bone in the drink, and gets thoroughly soaked. Aesop ended the story there with a gotcha, but Tabor offers a more contemporary arc of redemption and kindness: seeing that the other dog has "lost your bone, too," a contrite Simon finds a replacement and drops it into the pond as an act of friendship. Is Simon a silly dog? Of course—and a real sweetheart, too. Ages 4-8. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (May)

"This book's unique orientation cleverly uses the gutter in the vertical double-page spreads to show Simon and his reflection. Tabor effectively uses simple lines and curves to show Simon's dynamic emotions and movements. The pastel color palette complements the gentle tone, while the exuberant scribbles in colored pencil and joyful dabs of acrylic paint underscore the childlike spirit of the story. This is sure to be a storytime favorite." — Booklist

"Tabor updates Aesop's Fable "The Dog and His Reflection" with a little more goofiness and a bit less pedantry, and the clever unfolding layout of pages to reveal Simon's reflection immediately brings kids in on the joke, ensuring storytime engagement. Smudgy, dappled textures in pastoral hues make a cheerful background for shaggy brown Simon whose expressive tail and ears effortlessly convey his joy, frustration, and glee." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Tabor's book once again makes smart use of vertical orientation to enhance this story. The preschoolers at whom this playful story is aimed will delight in being one up on the main character. Friendly pastel-hued illustrations with white space and loose, energetic lines capture the abundant vigor of a young pup. The egocentric stage of a child's development has never been so expertly (and adorably) depicted." — The Horn Book