A cat and dog who live in a tree house together spend their time playing let's-pretend games of piracy and adventure on the high seas. As is all too often the case with shared fantasies, one partner wants to take it further and make the dream a reality; the adventurous Salty (sea-dog) is the culprit this time. He persuades Button, against his better judgment, to undertake an ill-advised trip out to sea in a large conch shell. Button - who wraps himself ever more tightly in his beautiful quilt as things look worse and worse - is less than keen. Predictably, it all goes horribly wrong and it falls to Button to save the day (and Salty).
The beautifully observed relationship between the friends will resonate with many children. Salty's naïve enthusiasm is patiently indulged by the timid and cautious Button, and Salty is considerate of Button's fearfulness even as he drags him into the adventure. Any reader tempted to think Button's passion for sewing is rather poncey will soon be disabused.
The pictures are enchanting. Salty and Button have something of the simplicity of Lucy Cousins characters (without the outlines) but the watercolour backgrounds add complexity and texture. The palette reinforces the gentleness of the story, with the watery greens and blues allowing the jewel-like colours of Button's treasured quilt to stand out. The quilt morphs from the symbol of Button's timidity to the emblem of his burgeoning confidence, but it's unobtrusive, like Salty. This is a lovely story, beautifully told, that will appeal particularly to the quieter, less confident child.