JOAN IN THE CONE, by Billy Sharff and Hala Tahboub, Dial Books, July 15, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
A dog gets a new accessory following some gravity defying antics in Joan in the Cone, by Billy Sharff and Hala Tahboub.
Joan’s life is wonderful, wild, and grand—
running and playing as much as she can!
Days full of fun, where she’s never alone.
And then . . .
came . . .
the cone.
For Joan the dog, life is different now. With her cone, she gets trapped in the doggy door. And she doesn’t command the same respect she once did at the dog park. Through funny challenges and mortifications, Joan reflects on her pre-cone glory days, including what led to her injury (let’s just say, certain choices were made). But with time, Joan begins to see there is love and life and joy beyond the rim of the cone—and sometimes popcorn inside it too, because, it turns out, the cone makes a great snack bowl. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books
Joan in the Cone is a humorous book that will appeal to kids and their caregivers. Author Billy Sharff’s bouncy text sets the stage for an epic fail and a change in attitude. While Hala Tahboub’s rollicking illustrations bring the entire story to life.
And while Joan’s story is full of humor, it also reminds kids that mistakes and injuries are inevitable, it’s how we deal with them that matters.
Joan in the Cone is bound to become a family favorite.
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