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
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
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.
Target Age: 4 to 8
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: September 16, 2025
ISBN: 9780316581721
0.48" H x 10.18" L x 10.29" W
40 pages
hardcover