Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Sam and Dave are on a mission to find something spectacular, so they start to dig. The reader shares the joke about how close they come to finding treasure without ever knowing it. My husband is not a huge fan of picture books, but this one had him laughing out loud! The pictures show Sam and Dave digging with enthusiasm, canine companion with them every step of the way! The illustrations work beautifully with the text; while the boys make various decisions about where and how to dig, the reader see what they are missing in the soil around them. This is highlighted by the fact their dog seems to know where the treasure is; sometimes looking at it, sometimes digging towards it, sometimes gazing at the reader with a perplexed expression. Once Sam and Dave fall asleep, it is their dog digging towards a buried bone which causes the earth to crumble and the boys to plummet back to their home - or is it? This is where sharp eyed children gasp and comment on some subtle changes - the cat has a different colour collar; there are pears, not apples growing on the tree; the flower in the pot is different - and start to question whether this really is their home after all! A very original, funny story, this book encourages children to question, to wonder and to explore possibilities. 40 pages / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+