This is a genuinely clever picture book that works on multiple levels. Young kids see two boys digging a hole with their dog—simple, fun, relatable. Older kids and adults catch the visual irony and appreciate the deadpan humor.
The Klassen illustrations are doing serious heavy lifting here, showing readers the enormous treasures underground while Sam and Dave remain oblivious. It's funny, it's suspenseful, and it teaches kids to look closely at pictures, not just words.
The parallel-universe ending is either brilliant or confusing depending on your kid. Some will love puzzling it out; others will just be baffled. Either way, it's a quick read that might inspire some backyard excavation, which is never a bad thing.
Not life-changing, but solidly entertaining and smarter than your average picture book.
