If We Were Dogs

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. 

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
An Indies Choice Book Awards Finalist

* "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 2023ⷋ
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