A Dog Needs a Bone

Reach for this book when your child is in a high-stakes negotiation for a cookie, a later bedtime, or a new toy. It serves as a humorous mirror for the persistent child who uses every ounce of their imagination to bargain for what they want. Through the character of a determined dog, the story explores the boundary between wild creativity and reality in a way that feels playful rather than preachy. Audrey Wood uses a bouncy rhyme scheme and whimsical illustrations to follow a dog who promises his mistress everything from a golden throne to a trip to the moon, all in exchange for one simple bone. It is an ideal pick for ages 3 to 6, offering a lighthearted look at perseverance and the art of the 'deal.' Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's big feelings of desire while modeling a fun, harmless outlet for that energy through storytelling and music.