Tricks and Treats (Dog and Bear)

Friends Dog and Bear return in their fourth book, a collection of three brief tales, this time built around a Halloween theme. In the first story, Bear is startled when he discovers a bear that looks "EXACTLY like me" at a costume shop (youngest readers will gleefully point out that he's looking into a mirror). In the second story, Dog takes candy from the aliens and pumpkin-headed monsters who show up at his door ("Treat, of course," he responds, interpreting their "trick or treat" as a question instead of a demand). And, in the third story, a homeowner dressed as a ghost refuses to believe that Dog and Bear are in costume when they go trick-or-treating (they prove him wrong). Seeger skillfully sketches the characters' emotions and humor, and the "gotcha" zingers that wrap up all three stories will leave readers with a smile. Ages 3-7. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 1--Dog and Bear are back, and they've got some tricks and treats ready for Halloween. Whether it's picking out costumes, manning the ding-donging front door, or going trick-or-treating in a tricky way, the two friends are always ready to help each other out with a smile and a laugh. Seeger once again infuses the three episodic stories with lighthearted humor. Full of simple wordplay and kindhearted irony, each mini-story begins with a title and ends with a clever twist. The humor strengthens the friendship of the eager and fun-loving characters in an amusing and inclusive way. The acrylic paint and India ink illustrations are painterly with broad brushstrokes and thick black outlines, while the simple white background keeps the spotlight on the action. A wonderful choice for bedtime reading, this could also be a fun book for beginning readers to take turns sharing with their caregivers. This is a great addition to Halloween collections, as it focuses on the fun, rather than the fright, of the holiday.--Amy Seto Musser, Denver Public Library

"The simple text is satisfying in its specificity and characterizations, while the illustrations support the text and illuminate the characters' emotions." —The Horn Book

"Full of simple wordplay and kindhearted irony, each mini-story begins with a title and ends with a clever twist. The humor strengthens the friendship of the eager and fun-loving characters in an amusing and inclusive way." —School Library Journal

"Dog and Bear return just in time for Halloween . . . All the elements that made this series titles such a hit are here . . . Seeger's tricks are readers' treats." —Kirkus Reviews

"Seeger skillfully sketches the characters' emotions and humor, and the "gotcha" zingers that wrap up all three stories will leave readers with a smile." —Publisher's Weekly