A small boy sings the praises of his dog, citing many specific reasons he’s the best. The simplicity of the narrative (“He rolls over … He plays chase … He blows bubbles.”) is echoed in the illustration style, which features simple, rounded shapes and a muted palette. The quiet pleasure of this book is in the interplay between art and text. The illustrations show the boy and dog engaged in each of the activities stated, but until the very end of the story the dog is sound asleep. It’s only as the child winds down that the dog wakes up, and their roles are reversed at story’s end. The bond between boy and dog, even with only one of them awake at a time, is sweet and strong in a picture book in which the gentle humor also invites discussion. (Ages 2–5)