On the one hand, Bob the dog is a lot like most dogs. He likes breakfast, riding in cars, and going outside. But this picture book veers delightfully between the straightforward and the unexpected as every simple statement about things Bob likes is followed by one that surprises. Bob likes breakfast, and sometimes he makes it himself (in fact, he makes it for the whole family). Bob likes riding in the car, especially when he’s driving. When he’s outside, Bob likes playing golf. Another young dog owner, unaware of Bob’s unique talents, brags that her dog can catch, sit, and speak. Bob, it seems, can do none of these things. “We win!” says the girl. “I’m sorry,” says Bob on the way home. “That’s okay,” I said. The humorous premise plays out in both the cartoonlike art and text, both of which are understated (if it’s possible for a dog in an apron to be understated). (Ages 3–7)

Like all dogs, Bob likes breakfast, riding in the family car, and digging for bones. But unlike other dogs, Bob cooks breakfast for himself and his family, drives the family car and digs for dinosaur bones with a paleontologist. When the girl next door challenges Bob’s owner to a contest to see whose dog is best, Bob doesn’t sit, fetch or speak on command. Bob loses. "I’m sorry," Bob says as the girl and her dog march off in triumph. But to make up for his deficiencies, Bob makes pizza for the family.
Readers will enjoy the wry humor that is underscored by an ironic text and understated illustrations.