The Sweetest Fig

By Chris Van Allsburg

The Sweetest Fig is a tale of justice.  It tells the story of Monsieur Bibot, a very fussy  dentist whose actions are selfish and often mean to others.  He shares his small apartment with his dog, Marcel, but he does not treat him kindly.  An old woman with a toothache offers Monsieur Bibot two magical figs that she claims will make his dreams come true, in lieu of monetary payment for his services.  He bitterly takes the figs but sends her away with no medicine, which he claims is "only for paying customers."  After indulging in one of the figs, Monsieur Bibot realizes it is the finest he's ever had.  Soon later he learns that the fig truly does make his dreams come true.  He makes special plans for the second fig, training himself to dream of many riches for himself, but much to his dismay, Marcel ruins his plans by eating the second fig himself.

Van Allsburg's illustrations accurately set the mood of his story and define the personalities of the characters.  The dark, muted colors of the apartment demonstrate Monsieur Bibot's fussiness and bitterness.  The expressions on Marcel's face show his discontentedness and reluctance to approach his master.  At the end, the expression on Marcel's new face, that of Monsieur Bibot, shows his pleasure at finally seeing justice served.  With one simple closing line, Van Allsburg releases the readers imagination as to what might happen next: "Time for your walk. Come to Marcel."