Book picks similar to
Dog Wants to Play by Christine McDonnell


picture-books
picture-book
children-s-books
dogs

Little Blue Truck


Alice Schertle - 2008
    A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road. Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.

Where's Spot?


Eric Hill - 1980
    The simple text and colourful pictures will engage a whole new generation of pre-readers as they lift the picture flaps in search of Spot. A number 1 bestseller since it was first published in 1980, this interactive favourite has stayed in the charts ever since.

The Adventures of Taxi Dog


Debra Barracca - 1990
    Then one day a kind taxi driver named Jim offers him friendship, a home, and a place in the front seat! From that moment on, Maxi and Jim revel in the sights and sounds of the city, and share all sorts of wild adventures-from rushing two clowns and a chimp to the circus, to singing duets with an opera diva! These and other adventures are brilliantly depicted in Mark Buehner's witty, detail-packed oil paintings.

Night-Night, Forest Friends


Annie Bach - 2013
    Papa rabbit tucks his babies in among the leaves, fuzzy bears settle in their den, and little foxes snuggle together under the moonlight. Up above, an owl hoots a lullaby. The gentle rhyming text and soft illustrations in this charming book will help little ones settle down for a cozy night.

Cookie's Week


Cindy Ward - 1988
    With its bright watercolor illustrations and one sentence of text per page, toddlers will love following Cookie through the days of the week--and seeing all the trouble he causes around the house!

Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs


Jacky Davis - 2018
    She wants to take all of them home--but she already has Bingo, and Mama says one dog is enough for their family. That doesn't mean Lulu can't help, though. It's time for Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad--her friends Grasshopper Girl and Bumblebee Boy--to step in! The Bug Squad can do all kinds of little but important things, like brush the dogs, play with them, and bring them water and food. And then Lulu comes up with the perfect plan to help the dogs find their forever homes. Her idea is such a success that the Bug Squad knows they'll be back again next week. Together, they can help every dog get adopted.This beloved series is celebrated for its gentle, authentic, and imaginative exploration of kid-emotions and -truths.

Charlie the Ranch Dog


Ree Drummond - 2011
    He's a ranch dog. Breakfast is his life, especially when bacon is involved. Charlie has dangly ears, floppy skin, and big fat paws. And he loves living in the country. That's because he works like a dog...fixing fences, gardening, and helping his family out on the range. A ranch dog’s work is never done!This endearing picture book for dog lovers everywhere shows readers that even though you may love bacon and naps most of all, working on the ranch is all about hard work and determination. A New York Times bestseller!

A Good Day


Kevin Henkes - 2007
    But then something good happens to each of them, turning a bad day into a good one.What makes a good day? What makes a bad day? And how can bad be transformed into good? This exploration of opposites and emotions was described as "a deceptively simple picture book, expertly tuned to the emotions and imaginations of young children" by ALA Booklist in a starred review.

The Very Busy Spider


Eric Carle - 1985
    A perfect gift to share with the child or grandchild in your life.Early one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work. When she is done, she is able to show everyone that not only is her creation quite beautiful, it is also quite useful!This multi-sensory board book allows children to feel the pictures as well as see them, and is the perfect size for little hands. With its rhythmic text, The Very Busy Spider becomes an experience to touch, to see, and to hear.A beautifully executed work for the very young that satisfies the needs of both visually handicapped and sighted children without losing its artistic integrity.--The Horn Book, starred reviewBoth sighted and blind children will follow the action with ease . . . Visually and verbally, this is a winner.--Booklist, starred review.

Harry the Dirty Dog


Gene Zion - 1956
    This childhood favourite is perfect for reading aloud before going to bed or avoiding a bath.

What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound?


Mo Willems - 2010
    Join spunky Cat the Cat as she introduces the very youngest readers to her world, where a surprise is waiting in every book.

Dinosaur Dance!


Sandra Boynton - 2016
    Whether they dance the Shimmy Shimmy Shake, the Quivery Quake, or just decide to Cha-Cha-Cha, young readers are sure to giggle along with these adorable creatures that are ready for a ROARING good time!

My Farm Friends


Wendell Minor - 2011
    Naturally, cows make milk- but did you know they need to drink a bathtub-full of water every day? And of course turkeys gobble- but sometimes they purr like cats. Wendell Minor's bright, bold artwork and jaunty verse celebrate the wonders of our farm friends, and a list of fun facts gives curious animal-lovers even more to enjoy.Watch a Video

Pretend


Jennifer Plecas - 2011
    Their couch turns into a boat! The staircase becomes a mountain! And blankets become a cozy hut, just right to cuddle inside. The one thing they don't have to pretend is how much they love one another. Jennifer Plecas's bold artwork and lively text come together in a celebration of imagination and the love between a parent and child. Great for Father's Day, but wonderful for any day that parent and child spend together.

RRRalph


Lois Ehlert - 2011
    Would you believe that Ralph the dog can talk? Yip, yip, yip--it's true! With bestselling author Lois Ehlert's simple, funny, call-and-response text and bold, playful collage illustrations, this fresh, young book is sure to get little ones laughing (and talking to their dogs!)