If We Were Dogs

Sophie Blackall

Book cover for If We Were Dogs
Image for variant 9798855193848
Book cover for If We Were Dogs
Image for variant 9798855193848

If We Were Dogs

If We Were Dogs

Sophie Blackall

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Description

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

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.

Critical Reviews

* "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

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

* "This charming story of Ā­friendship, Ā­differences of opinion, and Ā­acceptance 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 We Were Dogs:
Instant National Bestseller!
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
An Amazon Best Book of 2025
A 2026 ALSC Notable Book for Children

* "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

"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

Publishing Information

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Pub date: 2025-09-16
Length: 32 pages

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