Pug & Doug

PreS-Gr 2—This sweet friendship tale imparts its message with gentle humor and minimal didacticism. Pups Pug and Doug are best friends. They like many of the same things, but Doug is sensitive and creative and Pug sometimes likes to be alone. One day Pug doesn't have time for Doug, and, through a series of misunderstandings, Doug decides that his pal is sick of him. When Pug comes by to bring Doug a birthday present, a parrot, he finds a good-bye note on the door. Understanding Doug's misinterpretations, Pug tracks down his friend and explains everything, Doug apologizes for jumping to conclusions, and the two reconcile. The straightforward story is imbued with humor that is underlined in the mixed-media illustrations, and the story lends itself well to reading aloud to a group. Purple Doug (a hound) and beige-and-brown Pug dress in clothes, live in houses, watch Jurassic Bark on TV, and read Hairy Potter. The cartoon-style illustrations move the story along well, with a mix of panels, single pages, and spreads. Educators looking for books on relationships and communication will find a lot to like in this pleasant addition.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT