Pug

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Pug is snug inside on a snowy winters day. He looks out the window and sees Peg. Peg is just a human, so it seems. But now Pug will do just about anything to get outside to meet Peg. But he is a dog so he needs one of his humans to take him outside. Mom is busy reading. Dad just finished shoveling and doesn't want to go back outside. And Tad is still in bed. Pug finally gets Tad's attention by threatening to pee on his bed. Message received. So on goes the leash and Pug and Tad head outside. But now Peg is nowhere to be found. Then Pug hears her and goes right to her. Peg, as it turns out, is a female pug. And now both dogs are happy. They are together for a walk in the snow. This is a cute but brief story about puppy love. It is for very beginning readers in kindergarten and first grade or second graders who are struggling. The text is very minimal. On most pages there are only three word sentences. There is also lots of repetition of words and sounds. So this is a good confidence builder for very young beginning readers. The digitally rendered illustrations nicely enhance the story. The humans appear flat and emotionless. But you can see all of Pug's emotions, disbelief when his owners won't take him outside. Frustration and determination when he has to threaten to get his way. Joy when he finally gets out. Sadness when he can't find Peg. And finally happiness. The humans, on the other hand, seem void of emotions. But this is a story about pugs. This is an additional purchase. Purchase where easy beginning readers are needed or where you have fans of simple stories about dogs.

Overall Book Score: very good