If We Were Dogs - by Sophie Blackall (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Two children navigate their friendship as they imagine what it would be like to be dogs"--

Book Synopsis

A #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER - A PBS News Hour Best Book of the Year

Two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall's follow-up to her bestselling If I Was a Horse explores the challenges of first friendships through imaginative play.

If we were dogs, what kind would we be?
I'd be a big dog! And you'd be little dog.
Woof!

Join two friends as they bark and growl, woof and howl--and maybe even quack--in a romp that makes room for everybody's ideas.

Sophie Blackall unleashes a marvelous game of pretend that explores navigating friendship and celebrates boundless imagination in this wonderful companion for her national bestseller If I Was a Horse.
"Blackall's impeccably detailed, highly expressive illustrations add heart and humor to this tale about the endless paw-sibilities of pretend play--and the importance of speaking up for oneself." ―The Horn Book (starred review)

"My favorite picture book this year ... Parents love reading [If We Were Dogs] to children. The children are going crazy for this book." --Ann Patchett, award-winning author and owner of Parnassus Books, TN

"Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say." ―Kirkus Reviews

Review Quotes

* "Blackall's impeccably detailed, highly expressive illustrations add heart and humor to this tale about the endless paw-sibilities of pretend play--and the importance of speaking up for oneself."

--Horn Book, starred review

Praise for If We Were Dogs:
Instant National Bestseller!
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
An Amazon Best Book of 20235

"Few illustrators pull it off with the panache of Sophie Blackall...In IF WE WERE DOGS, the two-time Caldecott medalist pairs the bowwow exuberance of dogs with the shape-shifting fun of playing pretend to tell a story of affection and respect."--The Wall Street Journal

* "This charming story of ­friendship, ­differences of opinion, and ­acceptance is great for both reading aloud and independently...An excellent addition to any library."--School Library Journal, starred review

"Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say."
--Kirkus

Praise for If I Was a Horse:
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
An American Library Association Notable Children's Book of 2024
An Amazon Best Book of 2023​
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book 2023
A CCBC Choices Best Book of 2023
A Children's Book Council Favorites Awards, Children's Favorite

* "Charming and whimsical visual surprises are found throughout the impeccably designed pages.... An exquisite equine fantasy, this encourages imaginations to giddyup and run wild and free."--Booklist, starred review

* "Every illustration invites readers to pause to appreciate its details."
--Shelf Awareness, starred review

About the Author

Sophie Blackall is the bestselling and two-time Caldecott medal-winning artist behind Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear; Hello, Lighthouse; and Farmhouse. She is also the proprietor of Milkwood, a creative retreat for children's book makers. She divides her time between Brooklyn and a farm in upstate New York.