Do you have a pet? Are there times your pet drives you crazy and others when you love them so much? Today's book is for you if you answered yes! The book is Ode to a Pug by Jill Rosen and illustrated by Stephane Rohr. To go with this fun rhyming picture book, I am sharing some fun facts about pugs and a small pug craft round up! Plus, there is a giveaway at the end of the post!
About the Book:
Ode to a Pug Written by Jill Rosen and Illustrated by Stephanie RohrAges 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher’s Book Summary: A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!
Laugh along with the snorting, snoring, and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?
A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.
PURCHASE LINK
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Bookshop.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!
Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.
Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there.
For more information, visit: https://odetoapug.com/
https://www.instagram.com/odetoapug/
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Steph Rohr is a French Award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance Illustrator & Art Director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.
https://www.instagram.com/stephdoespictures/
From Me:
As a cat lover I wasn't sure what to expect about a book called Ode to a Pug. I knew Pugs have cute smushed faces and are small but that was about it. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. The book is about the love hate relationship we have with pets. At times pets can drive us crazy and we get so angry, and at other times they are so cute, and we love them so much. Every pet owner experiences this. In this fun rhyming book Jill Rosen shares the love hate relationship as an owner of a Pug. The Pug tends to ruin furniture, clothing and more. The Pug also has accidents and the owner, a darker-skinned woman, is ready to give the Pug away but then the dog does something really cute and lovable. The story felt just like how I feel about our three cats at times. I can't stand how they have scratched up our new sofa but love their cuddles and how cute they are. This book is perfect for any family who have or are getting a pet. It is a great way to introduce some things to expect. There are things we love about pets and things that drive us crazy and we should expect it all. It is also perfect for a class talking about pets or a story time about pets. Kids will love the funny things the Pug does (that drive the owner crazy) and then they will love the adorable cuddles and illustrations of the sweet Pug. It is a book everyone will enjoy!
Be sure to check out Jill Rosen's website to get some fun activities to go with this book too! I am also sharing some fun facts about Pugs since I didn't know that much about them, and I think kids will definitely enjoy some of these. Plus, below the fun facts are some Pug crafts to make! This book is perfect fun for a class or story time as well for a family who loves their pet. I hope you will check it out.
Fun Facts About Pugs
- Pugs are one of the oldest breeds of dogs. They have existed since at least 200 BC. They were kept by Tibetan Buddhist Monks in China.
- They were bred to be lap dogs for emperors in China. They were bred to have the wrinkles and it was supposed to be a pattern similar to the Chinese character for prince.
- Pugs are not related to Bulldogs. They share origins with the Pekingese.
- A group of Pugs is called a grumble.
- In 1572, Pompey the Pug saved William the Silent Prince of Orange’s, his owner, life. The Spanish assassins were trying to sneak into William’s tent at night but Pompey heard them and began barking.
- Pugs were brought to breed in Holland in the 16th century by Portuguese traders. In 1688 Pugs were introduced to England by William III and Mary when they arrived (from Holland) to claim the throne. In the early 19th century Queen Victoria popularized the breed as she had many beloved Pugs. Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, used her Pug, Fortune, to deliver messages to her family when she was in prison. It is rumored that Fortune bit Napoleon on their wedding night when he entered their bed. Josephine insisted that Fortune sleep in her bed with her.
- Pugs have curly tails and apparently a double curl is considered the perfect tail.
- Their smushed faces can lead to breathing problems. Their facial structure makes it hard to take long deep breaths. They are not the best swimmers and my have difficulty on airplanes as a result.
- A Pug, Chester Ludlow, received his MBA in 2009 from Rochville University. It was a stunt pulled by GetEducated.com.
- Around 1740 a group of Roman Catholics formed a secret fraternal group named after the Pug. It was literally the Order of the Pug. The Pope had forbidden Catholics from joining the Freemasons so they formed this group instead. To join members were expected to kiss the rear of the Grand Pug under his tail to prove their devotion to the group. The Grand Pug was porcelain. They also were known to wear dog collars, scratch at the lodge door for entry and bark loudly.
Sources:
- M. Annie. ASPCA Insurance. “Fun Facts About Pugs.” https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/fun-facts-about-pugs/
- O’Connell, Rebecca. Mental Floss. “12 Fun Facts About Pugs.” (4 May 23) https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/64051/12-snuffly-facts-about-pugs
- Ripley, Katherine. American Kennel Club. “10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Pug.” (27 Apr 23) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/things-you-didnt-know-about-the-pug/
Pug Craft Round-Up
To go with this book here are a few fun Pug crafts to try!
1) Pug Birthday Card from Red Ted Art
2) Puppy Valentine from Simple Everyday Mom
3) Pug Paper Bag Puppet from Mombrite
4) Pug Corner Bookmark from Red Ted Art
5) Hug a Book Pug Bookmark from Red Ted Art
6) Pet Potato Pug Craft from Craft Alotl via Red Ted Art (Note: Pattern available for purchase)
Not Pictured:
Printable Pug Craft from Learn Create Love
No Sew Felt Pug Tablet Cover from Purple Hues and Me
Giveaway:
Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an author-signed hardcover copy of Ode to a Pug, a 4″ custom pug plush, plus a die-cut pug sticker! Good luck!
