Buster is a scruffy little white dog who delights in hiding from an active toddler. Thump, thump, thump goes his heart as he waits to be found under the table, behind an arm chair, behind a large teddy bear. Each time baby is equal to the task, finding Buster with squealing and whirling as the two play throughout the day. Hest’s patterned text and Dunbar’s lively illustrations capture the anticipation and excitement of waiting to be found in the classic game of hide-and-seek, one that has a playful reversal and cozy conclusion as the day draws to a close. Honor Book, 2018 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 2-4)

What could be more endearing than the bond between a baby and a puppy? A sweet and spirited tale from two picture-book masters.

In the little red house, a dog ducks under the table. He waits and watches and waits some more as his heart goes thump, thump, thump. And then . . . CHAAA! Out of the shadows comes the baby, squealing and whirling and bumping his nose! Go Buster, go Buster, go! Is behind the blue chair a good place to hide? With beautifully tender artwork and an engaging repetitive text, author Amy Hest and illustrator Polly Dunbar follow two little ones in a breathless game of chase — winding up in a heart-tugging role reversal sure to sweeten readers’ dreams.