Pug Meets Pig

Pug is master of the house—indeed, his human owners are never seen. Then a new pet, Pig, shows up, wearing a blue dress with a ruffle, no less. Pig immediately and cheerfully co-opts everything that Pug loves: his doghouse, his dish, and his “work” antagonizing the local cat. “Pug is not happy,” writes first-time picture book author Gallion in her sublimely economic, emotionally resonant text, which is also simple enough to engage budding readers. “He is not happy here at home anymore.” When Pug realizes he can help a miserable Pig navigate a newly installed doggie door (“Pig’s round middle cannot fit”) the relationship shifts: Pug is no longer put-upon—he’s a problem solver. Gallion wisely lets the reward of selflessness speak for itself, while Wan’s (The Whale in My Swimming Pool) pert, roly-poly characters look like something lifted out of readers’ own toy boxes. Proffered with the lightest of touches, it’s a story that readers can easily take to heart. Up to age 8. [em]Author’s agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Teresa Kietlinski, Prospect Agency. (Sept.) [/em]