Dog has a ball but no one to play with, and all the farm animals have reasons why they cannot join him. “Dog wants to play. / When? / Today! / ‘Oh no,’ says the kitten. / ‘I might get bitten.’ ” And so it goes, with repetitive phrases and rhyming couplets that are a good match for the youngest listeners. Poor Dog, by turns hopeful and then disheartened, finds that the lamb is too shy, the hare too easily scared, the chick too small and the pig and calf too busy doing their own things. In the end Dog does find the perfect playmate; one who will play not only today, but “all day!” Mack’s acrylic illustrations suit the audience, giving a clue as to the next creature Dog hopes to entice into playing with him and investing Dog with considerable charm: His body language speaks volumes. The very simple structure of the text leaves plenty of room for the illustrations to carry the tale, precisely paced page turns encouraging even toddlers to join in with predictions and gently instructing them in narrative pattern. Subtle and sweet. (Picture book. 2-5)
