I’ve Got a Dog!: A Happy Little Tune is a cheerful, sing-along picture book for very young children (ages 2–6) written and illustrated by Mo Willems. It was released in early 2025 as part of his growing collection of simple, joyful early-reader books.
What the Book Is
This is a short, bouncy, musical picture book that works like a little song. The entire story is told through repetitive, easy-to-sing verses and big, bold illustrations. It has the same playful spirit as Mo Willems’ Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie books, but it’s aimed at even younger listeners.
The simple story goes like this: A happy kid wakes up and proudly announces, “I’ve got a dog!”
From there, the book lists all the wonderful (and silly) things the dog does:
From there, the book lists all the wonderful (and silly) things the dog does:
- The dog wags its tail
- The dog barks “WOOF!”
- The dog runs and jumps and plays
- The dog gives kisses and cuddles
Each page adds a new fun action or sound, building into a catchy, repetitive tune that kids quickly learn and sing along with. The text is short, rhythmic, and perfect for call-and-response reading (“I’ve got a dog! What does he do?”).
Why Little Kids Love It
- Super simple and repetitive — Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are just learning to talk and sing.
- Lots of sounds and actions — Kids love making the barking, tail-wagging, and jumping motions.
- Big, bright illustrations — Mo Willems’ signature style with bold lines, expressive faces, and lots of white space so nothing feels overwhelming.
- Happy, positive energy — It’s pure joy from start to finish. No conflicts, no problems — just pure celebration of having a dog.
- Interactive — Parents and kids naturally start singing and acting it out together.
Best For
- Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5)
- Dog-loving families
- Parents who want a short, fun read-aloud that doubles as a song
- Early literacy practice (repetition helps with word recognition and confidence)
- Bedtime, car rides, or anytime you want a happy little moment
In short, I’ve Got a Dog!: A Happy Little Tune is a sweet, bouncy, sing-along celebration of dogs that turns storytime into a mini concert. It’s pure Mo Willems happiness — simple, silly, and impossible not to smile (or sing) along with.
Highly recommended as a gift for any toddler or preschooler who loves dogs, music, or Mo Willems books. It’s the kind of book that gets requested “again!” every single time.