Book Review: Is It Okay For Us To Play? A Guide for Safer Interactions Between Children and Dogs by Catherine Hepburn
Is It Okay For Us To Play? A Guide for Safer Interactions Between Children and Dogs is the debut book of UK-based author Catherine Hepburn. It’s a picture book set to be published in the UK on November 7, 2025 from Austin Macauley Publishers.
(©Catherine Hepburn)
The author, who is also the illustrator, tells a story about Ben and his dog Jay who is a loveable yellow Labrador. Through the drawings and story, the reader learns about discovering what a dog is telling you with his body language and how to respond based on what the dog is communicating.
Ben tells us when Jay wants to play with him and when it is best to leave Jay be.
This 31-page picture book makes for a cute bedtime story that is also educational for kids.
If you have little children and dogs, or plan to have both in your life, this is a good purchase to add to the home library!
Helping children to be safe around dogs is a growing movement and this book aims to do just that with some fun rhymes and pictures.
At the moment, Is It Okay For Us To Play? is available for preorder on Amazon.co.uk but will be available across Amazon upon release.
Price: £8.99/€9.95/$9.95
You will be able to get updates about the book’s availability at www.isitokay.co.uk.
About the Reviewer
Rebekah King, MBA, BSc., PCT-A, DN-FSG1, DS-CDT, earned a degree in Animal Science while working full time for a vet and graduated with a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. Rebekah then rounded out her experience by teaching school for a year, gaining another invaluable skill. Most recently, Rebekah was the manager of a high-end pet resort and spa in Oxford, MS, and continues to operate her own dog training and pet care business in Texas. Rebekah’s current business roles also include vice president of Doggone Safe , Director of Operations at The Pet Professional Guild , and Student Coordinator and faculty member at DogNostics Education .