Books

Jodie Doesn't Love Dogs

COMING APRIL 27, 2027

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Some people just don’t like dogs. Or do they? When her friend needs a pet-sitter, Jodie discovers the surprising benefits of having a canine companion in this upbeat story for those on all sides of the dog-love divide.

From the author of the multi-award-winning picture book My Daddy Is a Cowboy and a Coretta Scott King Honor–winning illustrator comes a tale for dog fans and NOT dog fans that touches on themes of friendship, pet care, and all-around good-heartedness. Jodie doesn’t love dogs. She doesn’t love small, cute dogs or big, beautiful dogs. She doesn’t love friendly or funny ones. And she definitely doesn’t love dogs that slobber over everything. But Jodie does love her best friend, Seeley, who is about to go on vacation and can’t bring her cherished pup, Momo. When Jodie agrees to dog-sit, it comes with a lot of things she “doesn’t love”—barking, running around the house, walks, and cleaning-up after. But when bedtime comes and brings with it a thunderstorm, Jodie finds that a snuggly pup is exactly what she needs. With a sympathetic narrative, expressive illustrations, and a clever and heartwarming final twist, this welcoming dog story is sure to have tails wagging.

LINKS TO PURCHASE BELOW!

My Daddy Is a Cowboy is the winner of a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor!

It is also the first traditionally published picture book in the U.S. to feature characters of Panamanian descent!

A young girl and her father share an early morning horseback ride around their city in My Daddy Is a Cowboy, a picture book celebration of “just-us time" and Black Joy.

Tall. High as the clouds.
Strong as a horse’s back.
Like a cowboy.

In the early hours before dawn, a young girl and her father greet their horses and ride together through the waking city streets. As they trot along, Daddy tells cowboy stories filled with fun and community, friendship, discovery, and pride. Seeing her city from a new vantage point and feeling seen in a new way, the child discovers that she too is a cowboy—strong and confident in who she is.

Thoughtfully and lyrically written by debut author Stephanie Seales, with vibrant illustrations from award-winning artist C. G. Esperanza, this beautiful picture book is a celebration of Black joy, outdoor play, and quality time spent between child and parent.