THE LOST BONE
by Margo Smith , illustrated by Derek Keijner
The loss of a favorite bone causes trouble between two canine siblings.
Poodles Mimi and Gigi are sisters with very different likes and dislikes. “Prim and proper” Mimi treasures her pretty hair bows; Gigi collects dog bones and loves the outdoors. Smith (The Perfect Shade of Pink, 2015) offers a vivid description of Gigi rolling in the snow until she looks “like a decorated Christmas cookie.” When Gigi’s most prized bone goes missing, she accuses Mimi of stealing it. Her sister tries to tell her that she saw the real thief, but Gigi ignores her—and soon, the two aren’t speaking. Mimi confronts the true culprit and trades one of her favorite possessions for the bone. But no matter what Mimi does to make things right, Gigi continues holding a grudge—until she discovers the bone-stealer for herself. The author crafts a simple, charming tale that will encourage young readers to think about the importance of listening, how sincere apologies can make a difference, and how generosity of spirit is never wasted. Debut illustrator Keijner’s portrayal of the poodles and their cozy world, which contains no humans, complements the text with its muted color scheme and gentle whimsy.
An appealing picture book with character-building themes.