I really hate this one. The way the owner treats his dog......ugh.

And I know there is an allegory in here somewhere. But it's really hard to find. ( )

Wonderful tale for kids. Beautiful illustrations and a nice moral at the end. Very clever. ( )

This book is about heartless man named Bibot who comes into possession of two magic figs from an elderly patient he was cruel to. He was angered by her payment until he realized the figs were actually real and that they could make his dreams come true if eaten. He instantly tries to dream of wealth, but not everything goes according to plan and he gets a taste of revenge. I really enjoyed this book because I have always liked when mean people get what they deserve. I loved the eerie undertones, and the fantastic illustrations. Everything really came to life for me in this book. ( )

The Sweetest Fig is about a mean and selfish dentist named Bibot who receives two "magic figs" from a patient of his. Although he was angry the patient did not pay in money, he soon realized that eating one of the figs caused his dream from the night before to come true. Long story short, the story ends with Bibot's dog (who is treated poorly by Bibot) eating the fig and Bibot and his dog switching bodies! I really enjoyed this read not only for the story but also the illustrations. They were not popping colors but it helps creates the theme of the book which is kind of dark and mysterious. Excited to do my author/illustrator study on Van Allsburg ( )

I really enjoyed this book! The illustrations are wonderful which I have found to be typical of Van Allsburg. The story is entertaining and teaches a good lesson about how you should treat others. I think this is a good story to have in your collection. ( )