cover image Dog’s Day Out: A Drawing and Coloring Book

Dog’s Day Out: A Drawing and Coloring Book

Surya Sajnani. Quarto/QEB, $12.95 paper (64p) ISBN 978-1-60992-917-6

Sajnani brings the chunky black-and-white illustration style of her Wee Gallery line of products to the pages of a charming activity book, following Dexter Dog as he enjoys an afternoon at the park. In interactive pages splashed with bright green accents, Dexter introduces his family and friends, describes some of his favorite things (“I like bacon, eggs, and strawberries for my breakfast. What do you like to eat for breakfast?”), and shares some of the places he visits, like the pond in the park. Throughout, readers can take part by drawing, doodling, solving puzzles and mazes, counting objects, and responding to a variety of questions and directives (“Draw lots of flowers, and some buzzing bees too”). It’s an effective blend of guided activity and open-ended play. Available simultaneously: Cat’s Playgroup. Ages 2–5. (Mar.)