CCBC-Recommended Book Search - Cooperative Children's Book Center

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If You Were a Dog

“If you were a dog, would you be a speedy-quick, lickedy-sloppidy, scavenge-the-garbage, Frisbee-catching, hot-dog-stealing, pillow-hogging, best-friend-ever sort of dog? Would you howl at the moon? Some dogs do.” A playful picture book full of fresh turns of phrase asks similar questions about being a cat, fish, bird, bug, frog, and even a dinosaur in author Jamie Swenson’s merry offering that is sure to invite role-playing (be prepared for moon-howling and dinosaur stomping in story time). Chris Raschka’s whimsical illustrations are a perfect match for Swenson’s imaginative outing that concludes with the very best thing of all to be: a kid! Highly Commended, 2015 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2014 Cooperative Children's Book Center

Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Wisconsin author

Jamie A. Swenson was raised in Janesville, Wisconsin. She graduated with a BA from UW-Whitewater. She currently lives in Janesville.

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 3-6
Age Range: Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3) PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: Animals (Fiction) Imagination/Imaginary Play Wordplay

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publish Year: 2014
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780374335304

CCBC Location: Picture Book, Swenson

If You Were a Dog