On Sale: Sep 16, 2025
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316581721

$18.99

$24.99 CAD

Format

Hardcover

Format:

Hardcover $18.99 $24.99 CAD

Buy from Other Retailers:

NATIONAL BESTSELLER!

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.

Genre:

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