by Diane and Christyan Fox (Faber and Faber, paperback, £6.99)
Lucy wants a dog and is interviewing possible candidates. After a frog and fox fail expectations, she takes on Bear, who insists he is a dog. Tensions mount as Lucy becomes fed up of porridge, while Bear has had enough of retrieving balls. How will they work things out?
This story of friendship and compromise is one to revisit again and again. The tale is simply told, but alongside there is rich and funny dialogue as well as opportunities for children to become the storytellers.
