Piggypine

written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by Charles Santoso

We begin at the end of the story. Wait, that can’t be right. Nope, it is. The narrator is finishing up the story and out bursts Piggypine, who was drawn on a scrap of paper and left in the book. Piggypine really wants to be in a story and the narrator is starting a new one about Ruby and her first dog. The narrator and Piggypine go back and forth (hilariously) about the piggy porcupine’s attempts to insert himself in the story. Fortunately, Ruby saves the day and decides that Piggypine is exactly what she wants as a pet. Now, to teach that rascal how to spell – cow is not spelled “m-e-a-t-b-a-l-l”.

This book is a delight and the ending is absolutely as it should be. Piggypine is silly and sweet and deserves a story. Young readers will love the humor and the beautiful colored pencil-like illustrations. The last page has a hint about a future book (I hope!). Highly recommended.

Pugs Cause Traffic Jams by Jennifer McGrath

Kirby, the pug, is missing! As his owner searches the town for her errant puppy, the reader sees Kirby causing all kinds of problems in the streets. Each page is full of color and life and different breeds of dogs. Kirby’s owner notes each breed’s characteristic. For example, “Huskies are singers”. And, “Samoyeds just smile and smile”. Finally, we find Kirby at the end, somehow turning all these traffic jams into a street party, complete with red carpet and cake.

This is a fun romp of a story with lots of dogs. Pugs are the current stars of many popular picture books and this one will be equally popular with younger readers. Busy illustrations are engaging and fun. And, the author is pretty spot on with the breeds’ personalities. Recommended.