A snobby cat and a good-natured dog fight over the chance to dress up with their owner in this playful illustrated chapter book series told in letters.     It''s time for the annual city pet parade! Only one pet can win first place . . . Simon the cat has always hated wearing costumes, so he decides it''s okay for Andy''s new dog, Baxter, to march with Andy instead. This way, Simon gets to avoid a costume and keep his dignity.     But when Baxter keeps the costume plans a secret, Simon changes his mind. His boy Andy needs him! Who knows what trouble Baxter is up to? That beast can''t be trusted--and it''s Simon''s job to save the day.     This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award-winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet. With eight chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is purr-fect for parents to share with their beginning readers. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection