Doggies by Sandra Boynton is a counting and barking book that brilliantly combines two of a toddler's greatest loves into one irresistibly noisy read-aloud adventure. One dog goes WOOF, two dogs go WOOF yap yap, and with every page the chorus of barks, woofs, yaps, and assorted doggy sounds grows louder, sillier, and more impossible to read without fully committing to the performance. Sandra Boynton masterfully turns number recognition into something wiggly and wonderful, sneaking in early counting skills while everyone is too busy howling to notice they are learning.
Published by Little Simon, this sturdy board book features Boynton's signature expressive illustrations of big dogs, little dogs, shaggy dogs, and elegant dogs, each with their own distinct personality and bark to match. The bright blue cover with its mismatched pair of a fluffy white poodle and a tiny scruffy black dog sets the tone perfectly, and the energy only builds from there. The simple, rhythmic text is made for reading aloud at maximum volume and minimum composure, making it a guaranteed hit at storytime.
This book is a wonderful gift for any family with a dog lover in their midst, and an equally great pick for families who simply cannot get enough of Boynton's brand of joyful, read-aloud chaos. It pairs naturally with Moo, Baa, La La La! and other Boynton animal favorites for a collection that keeps little ones engaged, laughing, and howling along.
