In an amusing alternative to the imaginary-friend scapegoat, Danny blames his misdemeanors on his huge, obliging dog until his mother calls a halt: ``Jake can't use scissors...and Jake can't dress himself!'' Danny, not Jake, is sent to bed supperless. His mother relents, but Jake inadvertently exacts fitting revenge: Danny's sandwich disappears, and this time Jake really is the culprit. Appropriately light-hearted illustrations round out the funny side of this slight but pleasing story. (Picture book. 4-8)