Noodle the pug likes walks, being outside, and snacks from the kitchen, all in the company of his human, Jonathan. But today, Noodle doesn't feel like doing any of that - it's a no-bones day!

Activities are important - but so is relaxation. ( )

I've heard of this meme, though I have never followed it. A cute doggy decides every morning whether he'll be active or staying in bed for the day. The pictures carry the book. ( )

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S NOODLE AND THE NO BONES DAY ABOUT?
I'm going to assume you, dear reader, are like the 74.3% of humanity and are aware of Noodle (and, as an afterthought, Graziano). Last year Noodle took over the Internet—magazines, websites, TV news shows, social media, etc., etc., etc. People all over the world checked-in daily to see if that day was going to be a Bones Day (where Noodle, an elderly pug, wanted to get up and go for a walk) or a No Bones Day (where Noodle just wanted to stay in bed and relax all day).

This little book tells their story. It starts off describing their life—and then focuses on the first No Bones Day. Noodle isn't sick, he isn't depressed or anything. He just needs to spend a day getting pampered—bonus belly rubs, bonus snuggle time, and bonus snacks. Who can't relate to that?

WHAT ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATIONS?
I skipped over half the words the first time I opened the book to pour over the illustrations—and I'm telling you, that never happens with me. Even in picture books, words are my priority. Typically, anyway.

These are simple drawings—there's not a lot of clutter on the page, or background details. Just a man and his pug and their emotions. The picture where you can't see Noodle's face, only the rest of his body (tail end sticking up in the air) as he burrows into his bed is asymptotically close to Aristotelian perfection. The rest of them ain't bad, either.

Dan Tavis is a gem. I have bookmarked his site to shop from in case I have to activate Grandpa Mode and need to equip my home and have picked out a couple of things from his Etsy shop that would look good on my walls)

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT NOODLE AND THE NO BONES DAY?
Is this the most adorable book that I've read this year? Hands down. Will something come along and usurp it? Doubtful (but, please, suggest contenders—I'm sure I could use the pick-me-ups in the months to come).

There's a good reminder—especially for the grown-up reading this book to a child—that there are times when someone needs a day (or even a few minutes) to step back from their normal activities to show someone some extra attention and affection. Or be shown that. Even just taking the few minutes necessary to read this book to a child would be a good start.

This is a cute book. It is sweet. Nigh-unto-irresistible. The illustrations made (and make) me smile. It is perfect to use to cuddle up and read to a child and/or beloved pet. If you're a fan of Noodle (and, I suppose, Graziano), you're going to enjoy it. If you're not a fan of either of them, buy this and improve your life.

It's also a reminder that the dog in your life probably wants and deserves a snack right now. Best get on that. ( )