DOG AND BEAR

The two pals from last year’s standout Dog and Bear return with three more stories that explore the little wrinkles that can develop in even the smoothest friendships. In “Ice Cream,” an angry Dog declares that he is running away from Bear, even going so far as to pack his sticks before Bear’s offer of ice cream makes him think twice. “Happy Birthday, Bear!” finds Dog baking a cake for Bear—with strawberry frosting and rainbow sprinkles—and then yielding to the temptation to eat all but the candle before Bear sees it. Finally, a dyspeptic Dog wears Bear out in “Sweet Dreams” by exploiting his friend’s offer to help. Each wee tale, told almost entirely in dialogue paired with expressive, black-outlined paintings on a white background, develops the two characters’ distinct personalities further—impulsive Dog and deliberate Bear are perfect foils. Variations in perspective, body language and expression convey a wealth of information to complement the straightforward text, inviting readers to make their own interpretations and leading them to an understanding of the complex dynamics of friendship. (Picture book/early reader. 4-8)