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Simon's New Bed
Simon’s new dog bed has been claimed by…a cat?! Laughter, scheming, and cuddles ensue in this fun naptime tale you’ll want to share, from debut author Christian Trimmer and illustrator Melissa van der Paardt.
Simon’s been looking forward to trying out his brand-new dog bed all day . He may be ready for the best nap of his life, but Miss Adora Belle the cat has other ideas. She’s taken over his bed before he even gets a chance to try it—and she’s not budging. As Simon struggles to find a way to free his bed for the Greatest Naptime Ever, he may just discover something wonderful about his new there’s plenty of room for two.
Simon’s been looking forward to trying out his brand-new dog bed all day . He may be ready for the best nap of his life, but Miss Adora Belle the cat has other ideas. She’s taken over his bed before he even gets a chance to try it—and she’s not budging. As Simon struggles to find a way to free his bed for the Greatest Naptime Ever, he may just discover something wonderful about his new there’s plenty of room for two.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2015
2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Christian Trimmer
8 books12 followersChristian Trimmer is a children’s book author and editor. He lives in Hillsdale, New York. If you’d like to learn more about him, his writing, and the books he edits, click on the website link above.
In February 2021, Christian started a new job at Paramount Global, where he’ll be overseeing the relaunch of MTV Books. Prior to that, he was editorial director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and a senior editor at Disney Hyperion Books. He is a board member of the Hudson Literacy Fund and a member of SCBWI.
He contributed posts to the Children's Book Council Diversity Blog, one about reading to build empathy called "Read More! End LGBTQ Bullying!" and another about being biracial entitled "What Are You?
In February 2021, Christian started a new job at Paramount Global, where he’ll be overseeing the relaunch of MTV Books. Prior to that, he was editorial director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and a senior editor at Disney Hyperion Books. He is a board member of the Hudson Literacy Fund and a member of SCBWI.
He contributed posts to the Children's Book Council Diversity Blog, one about reading to build empathy called "Read More! End LGBTQ Bullying!" and another about being biracial entitled "What Are You?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 17, 2018
Just what would happen!
Simon's New Bed is what would happen if you got your dog a new bed and you also have a cat! Cute drawings and fun story.
Simon's New Bed is what would happen if you got your dog a new bed and you also have a cat! Cute drawings and fun story.
August 28, 2015
This book is about a very real thing, a war that is waged in households across America.
A dog, Simon, gets a new bed and then goes for a walk, anticipating his return home so he can take the most glorious nap ever...
...only to get back and find...
...that little jerk of a cat, Miss Adora Belle, has taken up all of his brand new, never-been-slept-in bed.
Even though I love mine with a love that probably borders on unhealthy, cats are assholes.
There's just no getting around this fact. Not even for poor Simon.
What's a dog to do?
A dog, Simon, gets a new bed and then goes for a walk, anticipating his return home so he can take the most glorious nap ever...
...only to get back and find...
...that little jerk of a cat, Miss Adora Belle, has taken up all of his brand new, never-been-slept-in bed.
Even though I love mine with a love that probably borders on unhealthy, cats are assholes.
There's just no getting around this fact. Not even for poor Simon.
What's a dog to do?
July 23, 2015
This was just so delightful and I may be a bit biased because I own 3 Siamese cats and know their antics, which are accurately portrayed here. The ending though is where the book really shines and has a great message that parents can use with their own kids. Well done!
September 4, 2015
I'm not just giving this book 4 stars because the cat looks like Jaspurr. This book is hilarious. I love the expression on the dog's face when he sees that the cat has stolen his bed. Great book for cat and dog lovers!
October 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this little story. Simon is SUCH a cutie pie and the devious kitty was so fun to read about.
January 2, 2016
The pictures are absolutely adorable. Some of the text is not placed in the most optimum way, but I'm a fan of Miss Adora Belle.
August 3, 2018
I saw this book is describing my dogs and cats. Very good.
August 29, 2018
Might be a hair on the long side, but should work for storytime.
November 24, 2015
This book is so funny! This will be a storytime favorite. Lots of fun ways to present the dialogue. Also, anyone who owns a dog and cats will understand this one. Too funny.
May 10, 2017
Simon's New Bed, written by Christian Trimmer and illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt, is a nominee for the 2017-18 South Carolina Picture Book Award.
Simon is super-excited to take a nap in his brand new dog bed. When he goes to get in it, however, he finds that someone else is already there. The stubborn cat, Adora Belle, shows no signs of giving up her spot on his bed, so Simon does everything he can think of to convince her to move. Nothing works. This cat simply will not move.
After howling, barking, dragging Adora Belle all over, taking her bed, tricking her, and even begging, Simon was ready to give up. But maybe there's a solution after all. It may not be Simon's first choice, but a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. His nap time depends on it.
Simon's New Bed is an excellent book to showcase concepts like sharing, perseverance, problem-solving, and picking one's battles. The book is funny, relatable, and never becomes preachy. It presents its lessons in a totally accessible way, and many young readers may not even realize they're getting a bit of character education in this wonderful story.
Simon is super-excited to take a nap in his brand new dog bed. When he goes to get in it, however, he finds that someone else is already there. The stubborn cat, Adora Belle, shows no signs of giving up her spot on his bed, so Simon does everything he can think of to convince her to move. Nothing works. This cat simply will not move.
After howling, barking, dragging Adora Belle all over, taking her bed, tricking her, and even begging, Simon was ready to give up. But maybe there's a solution after all. It may not be Simon's first choice, but a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. His nap time depends on it.
Simon's New Bed is an excellent book to showcase concepts like sharing, perseverance, problem-solving, and picking one's battles. The book is funny, relatable, and never becomes preachy. It presents its lessons in a totally accessible way, and many young readers may not even realize they're getting a bit of character education in this wonderful story.
September 22, 2017
Simon’s New Bed teaches so many things: respecting others, sharing, perseverance, problem-solving, choosing battles, taking what isn’t yours, etc. It might sound like this book would have to be preachy, but it isn’t at all.
Simon, the dog, can’t wait to get back from his walk since he’s excited to try out his new bed. But he’s immediately met with a problem. Adora Belle, the cat, has claimed his bed. After howling, barking, dragging Adora Belle around in his bed, trying to trick her, and even begging, Simon is ready to give up. But maybe there's a solution, just not Simon’s first choice.
Children probably won’t even realize the lessons they are learning while listening to this book, since they are quietly embedded. The illustrations, bright and humorous, add to this little book of dog vs. cat.
Simon, the dog, can’t wait to get back from his walk since he’s excited to try out his new bed. But he’s immediately met with a problem. Adora Belle, the cat, has claimed his bed. After howling, barking, dragging Adora Belle around in his bed, trying to trick her, and even begging, Simon is ready to give up. But maybe there's a solution, just not Simon’s first choice.
Children probably won’t even realize the lessons they are learning while listening to this book, since they are quietly embedded. The illustrations, bright and humorous, add to this little book of dog vs. cat.
December 22, 2019
Poor Simon! He can’t wait to try out his new bed for the first time. But wouldn’t you know it? The cat got there first. And do you think that cat would budge? It doesn’t matter what Simon tries, the cat is going nowhere. Almost in tears, Simon finally asks “Miss Adora Belle, how about we share?” Amazingly enough, the cat makes room for Simon.
August 6, 2023
Simon the dog was so excited to try out the new bed he was given. After his walk he came back to take a nap, and ... Adora Belle the cat was in his new bed! He tried pleading, yelling, trickery, but she wouldn't get out. Then he did what he really didn't want to do.
What a sweet and amusing story about learning to share. Expressive illustrations.
What a sweet and amusing story about learning to share. Expressive illustrations.
May 25, 2024
📖 5 ⭐️
This is a cute picture book about a dog Simon & his brand new bed! Before he take his first nap on it, the cat Miss Adora Belle steals it! & won’t get off. Finally, he asks if they can share, the kitty moves over & they cuddle.
So cute that the kitties name is Miss Adora Belle! I’m convinced that isn’t her actual name but Simon hears it enough in relation to her that he thinks it is 😂
This is a cute picture book about a dog Simon & his brand new bed! Before he take his first nap on it, the cat Miss Adora Belle steals it! & won’t get off. Finally, he asks if they can share, the kitty moves over & they cuddle.
So cute that the kitties name is Miss Adora Belle! I’m convinced that isn’t her actual name but Simon hears it enough in relation to her that he thinks it is 😂
September 4, 2017
Simon's New Bed is a story of compromise, cleverly told through the classic relationship of cat vs. dog. If you've ever owned a cat, or else had siblings, you know that you must guard anything you love and never, ever leave it unmanned, or else it becomes fair game for poaching. Simon the dog learns this the hard way, and what he goes through as a result is ridiculously comical. Told with wit and truth, this tale rings with universal appeal.
February 22, 2018
Simon has a new bed. He takes a walk with his owner and by the time he gets back, the cat Adora Belle is napping in it. He tries all sorts of things to get her to move but she doesn't budge. Eventually, he offers to share the bed and they both take their naps.
March 15, 2018
I don't own cats but I could imagine my 17 year old chihuahua being just like the cat in this book. Whenever I buy a new pet bed for my dogs, she always claims it and refuses to share. I've even seen her pull one bed on top of the other just so the other dogs can't use it. haha
April 10, 2024
Summary: Simon has a brand-new dog bed. Simon loves his brand-new bed. Simon cannot wait to take the best nap ever in his brand-new bed. But then the most awful, terrible thing happens ... And she's not going anywhere. -- inside left jacket flap
March 23, 2017
Poor Simon's face is so expressive. And the cat is spot on.
July 2, 2017
BL 2.0
0.5pts
0.5pts
October 18, 2017
Simon is a big dog who gets a new bed. But before he can enjoy it, the family cat takes it over. I like this story of compromise and letting the little things go.
February 5, 2018
Cute book on a dog getting a new bed. Before he can try it out, his cat sister climbs in. He tries all the tricks to get her out, finally giving up and sharing the bed. Pick your battles.
March 26, 2018
adora belle!
August 28, 2018
Read this today with my 5 year old. He absolutely loved it. Thought it was funny. The message is also nice.
September 4, 2018
Spoiler alert. It’s funny and cute with three good messages for kids (he solves his problem without hitting/violence, chooses his battles, and compromises/shares.)
November 12, 2018
Cute story
January 3, 2019
Really easy to engage the kids as you read because you can ask them how Simon feels or what Adora Belle is doing. It also ends in a nice moral of sharing as a way to compromise.
June 3, 2019
Loved the art. The cat and dog are portrayed perfectly and some of the pictures actually made me laugh out loud. Felt the ending came quite abruptly. Even for a children’s book.
October 5, 2019
Poor Simon the dog. Before he can even enjoy his new bed, the cat has taken over. What can Simon do to get his bed back? Bark? Hiss? Growl?
March 3, 2021
Cute fast book. Would be an awesome read aloud!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews