A meta picture book begins with Bella taking her dog for a stroll “across the page.” But when the dog reaches the gutter of the page spread — oh oh — he disappears. So does Bella’s friend Ben, followed by a rescue vehicle, a police car, a fire truck, and — oh no! — Bella herself. Then “Burp!” Out comes a note, written by Bella, instructing readers to turn the book on its side and shake. Out they all come, almost none the worse for wear. The exception is Bella’s dog, whose back half is now upside down. The clever conceit is carried right through to the endpapers at story’s end, which are also upside down in this humorous offering. (Ages 3–6)

When her dog disappears into the gutter of the book, Bella calls for help. But when the helpers disappear too, Bella realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to put things right.