Thunder Pug by Kim Norman – OPTIONAL

Thunder Pug by Kim Norman, illustrated by Keika Tyamaguchi. PICTURE BOOK. Sterling Childrens Books, 2018. $17. 9781454923589

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)– OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Percy is a pug and Petunia is a pig, they are great friends. They do everything together. When Petunia wins a blue ribbon at the fair, she suddenly has lots of friends and no time for Percy. He is sad, and decides to become a super hero. Turns out he is not so great at it and needs a sidekick, and just in time he finds one.  Large illustrations with harmonious colors.

First off the illustrations in this book are flat out adorable and so charming!!! The story was just ok- I still don’t get why Petunia all the sudden has time for Percy, that part just doesn’t make sense. Even an extra page where she realizes she misses him then he isn’t at any of their usual play places and then she discovers his antics -would have clarified things. Also Percy’s desire to be a superhero is just for the cape and to feel special –not to help others (though he tries to do so), and that's not great. I wish I could say essential just for the art, but the story just isn’t quite there.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.