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If You Were a Dog {Review and #Giveaway}

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Little kids and imagination go together perfectly, and with the new picture book by Jamie A. Swenson, childrenĀ can pretend while they read along. If You Were a Dog, with Chris Raschka’s signature whimsical watercolors, is a delightfully fun read.

The text of this picture book talks directly to the reader, asking them to imagine themselves as a variety of animals and offering ideas of the ways in which they would act as those creatures.

If you were a dog, would you be a speedy-quick, lickety-sloppidy, scavenge-the-garbage, frisbee-catching, hot-dog-stealing, pillow-hogging, best-friend-ever sort of dog?

The characteristics offered for dogs, cats, birds, and even dinosaurs, are spot-on and use creatively descriptive language that is fun to read aloud, allowing for the adult reading this to young children to really bring the text to life. With an imaginative flair, this story would be perfect for a class read aloud, encouraging children to join in with the parts in which the animals howl, hiss, or swoosh through the skies.

Chris Raschka has been recognized with one Caldecott Honor and two Caldecott Medals, and his style’s appeal to me lies in its use of vibrant colors and broad watercolor brushstrokes.Ā He captures the cuteness of animals with his thick lines and colorfully engaging illustrations.

If You Were a DogĀ is rich in language and gorgeous in presentation, a perfect combination in a book for preschoolers and young elementary school aged children.

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63 Comments

  49. My oldest son loves dogs and my youngest loves books so finally a book that can enjoy together šŸ™‚ ?

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  53. This sounds like a wonderful book it is so hard now days to get kids to break away from the computer or TV and use their imaginations. I am the director of a kids Adventurer club and it feels more and more like entertaining them. I work very hard at engaging them in our activities. This book will fit right in with what I do. I will also enjoy reading it to my granddaughter.

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