Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8
Recommended For: ages 4-8 (especially boys)

Sam and Dave are determined not just to dig a hole, but to find something spectacular. With the company of their faithful, intuitive dog, they dig and dig until they almost find something, then decide to change course. Only their faithful dog seems to know what they are just missing and when they stop to take a rest, he keeps digging until they reach something extraordinary.

This Caldecott Honor-winning book is worthy of its acclaim because the story is really revealed in the illustrations far more than the text. Observant readers will enjoy turning pages back and forth to see what Sam and Dave are missing and try to determine what they have found after all that. There is opportunity for discussion about providence and how much we don’t know about what is going on around us.

Boys who need to dig holes will relate to these two and will be inspired to head out into the backyard armed with shovels, chocolate milk, and animal crackers to dig until they find something spectacular.

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)  

• Worldview Rating: 4
• Artistic Rating: 5

Categories: 4 stars and up, Picture Books, Award Winners, Character Values
Cover image from Goodreads