That tiny foster pug puppy from a few years ago came as a revelation. One of the things I love about fostering is getting the chance to experience breeds I'd never know otherwise. So, I felt pretty excited to read some books written by PD the Pug. He's super cute and an IG star! He's also on FB.
But first, let's gaze at foster baby Charlie, who got adopted by a friend's sister. He's doing great!
PD the Pug Books - A Review
Probably better for older kids or adults. Based on the great illustrations (by several different illustrators), PD the Pug books look like children's chapter books. They're touted as being for readers age 8 and above. Thicker than most books for little kids, they also include words that may slow down even accomplished young readers. That's probably good for building vocabulary (manse, cruller, reminiscent, etc). I did pause for a minute imagining a scenario where a kid asks an adult what "necrophiliac" means. I'm almost afraid to spell that word out here for the risk of getting in trouble for inappropriate content. It appears in a part where PD talks about why dogs love poop and smelly and gross things.
Cultural references for the generations. Grown-ups reading the books to younger family members and friends likely will understand (and maybe need to explain) a lot of the cultural references. I'm pretty old (ha ha), and some of them predate me. Vaudeville, anyone? In some cases, the little historical tidbits include online citations for those who want to learn more, so that's probably good for honing kids' online research skills too.
So many poop jokes along with dog caretaking lessons. Younger readers will enjoy all the poop jokes mixed in with legit lessons about how to take care of dogs. Since pugs and other similar breeds continue to gain popularity, learning about their unique needs is smart for people of all ages.
The Best Parts?
The third book called Working Like a ... Dog boasts a real Walter Mitty feel. Howz *that for a book-nerd reference that some people might not get? Suffice it to say that PD acts a lot like Walter Mitty, who is character from a short story from 1939 -- a daydreamer who fancies himself a hero. Book vs movie alert: The movie is very different from the book. Similar themes, very different plot.
PD the Pug books also reminds me of the Beverly Cleary book called The Mouse and the Motorcycle, one of my all-time favs as a kid since PD sometimes goes off on adventures solo.
And, yes, I found the writing funny. Even though, and you may recall, I pretty much avoid books written from the dog's perspective. It bothers me a lot less in kids books, so that's a plus as well.
Throughout the books, you also meet Ralph, who is PD's nemesis. I found those parts particularly hilarious. Comedy gold!
The Uh-Oh Parts?
I *almost stopped reading at the beginning of the second book called No, You Sit! because it breaks my rule about not reviewing books that use any alpha / dominance language. I thought I was safe when *the Dr. Ian Dunbar wrote a promo blurb for the first book, so to hit an alpha thing at the beginning of book 2 threw me.
It's meant to be funny since PD tries to train his Mommy, but it still bugged me because I believe the continued use of the word / concept is detrimental to all dogs ... so I kind of skimmed *that book. If the alpha thing bothers you too, then you will be fine jumping from book 1 to book 3. You will not lose the narrative thread. Just know that PD gets banned from the groomer's place for causing a (literal) stink!
I do wonder about some of the adult humor and references ("sexy librarian glasses"), but I don't have kids, so I have no sense of what will go over their heads. Maybe they won't even notice.
Grown-Ups Too?
When I'm tired and stressed, I often read books not meant for grown-ups -- such as young adult novels or coming-of-age stories. They are often funny and light and just what I need when my concentration is already challenged by other demands and worries. PD the Pug books match that need well, if you just cannot read one more heavy thing.
So many of the novels I read for those 10 weeks when I couldn't walk after shattering my ankle featured suicide, so it's nice to take a break from that.
If you ever need something easy to read on the go in small chunks, then you'll probably have fun reading PD the Pug books too. Plus, you might learn some things to help you win at your next trivia night such as who created the first dog park, when, and where!
Full disclosure: I'm only about halfway through the third book, where PD the Pug keeps trying and getting fired from a bunch of different jobs. I wanted to get this review off my to-do list, so I decided not to wait until I finished all 4 books.
Free Little Library
The shelter for which we foster puppies features a free little library on campus, so I will donate the books there and alert my fellow volunteers.
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