Hugs for Pug

PreS-Gr 2--Pug is a dog with lots of love to share. Unfortunately, all of his humans are extremely busy. When Pug approaches Dad for a hug, he is busy in his home office and tells Pug, "Not now." Pug is met with a similar response from Mom, who is typing away on her laptop, as well as brother Tad as he tinkers away with his skateboard. Dejected, Pug goes outside. When the members of Pug's family have completed their respective tasks, they immediately call for their furry friend. Initially hesitant, Pug cannot resist a quality cuddle. Each spread contains one to three rhyming sentences that range from three to five words, featuring many sight words and repetition. Long's digital illustrations are engaging and relatable throughout, providing visual clues to Pug's emotions and feelings, as well as his family's. Back matter includes phonics features of the text. VERDICT A sweet and silly story ideal for emerging reader collections.--Olivia Gorecke

Poor Pug wants a hug! Using just over two dozen distinct words, all but one of which is monosyllabic, Long delivers an accessible, sweet tale for those starting to read independently. Poor Pug needs attention, but Dad, Mom, and Tad (all of whom are depicted with light skin and brown hair in the cartoon-style digital illustrations) are each too busy to indulge him when he approaches them and attempts to "hug," "snug," and "wag." The visual climax of the story arrives as a dejected Pug starts to "yap," his barking sound repeated in big, orange print all over the page to indicate his frustration. The family surrounds him, responding in unison, "No, Pug! No!" Their words are as big and orange as his "yaps" were on the facing page. Pug retreats to the yard through a doggy door and lies down on the grass, small and alone on the page. The next spread shows the family members, their tasks now completed, wearily collapsing on the couch, now ready for Pug snuggles and hugs. At first, still smarting from rejection, "Pug is not glad." "But Pug cannot stay mad," and the book closes with a group hug on the couch, everyone snuggled up together. Cuddle up with this terrific title for the earliest of readers. (Early reader. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.