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Puddle Pug (Hardback) - Common

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Percy the Pug loves puddles—big puddles, small puddles, swamp puddles, stomp puddles. But no puddle is perfect . . . until he finds one with three friendly piglets. But protective Mama Pig says NO PUGS and chases Percy away! Irresistibly illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi, Kim Norman's tale about a persistent pug and his pursuit of friendship in puddle paradise brims with warmth and charm.

Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014

3 people are currently reading
283 people want to read

About the author

Kim Norman

38 books63 followers
Kim Norman is the author of more than a dozen children’s books published by Sterling, Scholastic and two Penguin imprints. Titles include Ten on the Sled, (Sterling) which spent weeks on Barnes and Noble’s Top Ten bestseller list and has been released in Korean and German editions as well as appearing in Scholastic Book Fairs in schools around North America. I Know a Wee Piggy, was reviewed in the New York Times, and is listed on the Texas “2x2 Reading List,” as well being offered by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Kim has a long history of theater & musical performing, which she enjoys including in her school visits and presentations. Songs and videos on her website, kimnormanbooks.com

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5 stars
320 (40%)
4 stars
298 (37%)
3 stars
144 (18%)
2 stars
24 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
3,074 reviews228 followers
February 11, 2015
I can't get enough pug books, and this one was absolutely adorable, though in my world, not the most believable since my pugs hate water. :p
Profile Image for Michelle.
138 reviews
March 20, 2015
I read this book at a story time. One of kids came up to me afterwards wanting to know if they could hug this book. What better recommendation than kid who wants to hug it!
Profile Image for Diane.
7,267 reviews
June 29, 2014
The puddle is always muddier on the other side of the fence. Percy loves puddles of all kind, and he thinks he's found the perfect puddle. Unfortunately, Mama Pig doesn't want Percy in her puddle - no matter what he tries. Then Percy saves Petunia after a storm, and Mama Pig welcomes with "Piggly Jiggly Joy."

Illustrations are adorable. Should be a crowd pleaser with dog lovers.
Profile Image for Liz.
189 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2022
Cute and sweet, perfect for kindergarteners
Profile Image for Megan.
935 reviews
July 24, 2023
We own "Thunder Pug", about Percy and Petunia who are best friends. This is the prequel that I didn't know existed!

Percy loves puddles, but only one puddle is just right...and it's a puddle where he's not wanted. What will he do?!

The illustrations are cute, and it's about a pug. Simple text that would be engaging for kids of a variety of ages - I think M would have enjoyed it at even a younger age, and she liked it now too.
Profile Image for Kate.
78 reviews
February 10, 2017
The content in this book surpasses the drivel in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. You will get more out of reading this than the 500 pages of vampire "love."
Profile Image for Katie.
518 reviews12 followers
November 18, 2015
Percy the pug enjoys puddles of all types. One day he sees the perfect puddle, but Mama pig won't let him enjoy it with her little piglets. When a storm causes all the pigs to run in fear, the smallest pig gets lost. Percy saves the day by returning her to the pig family, and from then on is able to spend time with the pigs in their mud puddle.

This summary doesn't do the book justice. The story itself if sweet, and the illustrations are just too cute for words. Puddle Pug would be great to share with one child, or a group. You don't have to love dogs, or pigs to relate to this little guy's tale, and cheer when he makes friends with the piglets. Plus its a carefree story about the joy of jumping in puddles!
Profile Image for Carrie Charley Brown.
307 reviews309 followers
October 30, 2014
When first starting this story, I was expecting to find the entire book in rhyme. I was pleasantly surprised with a vibrant storyline told in prose, with rhyme seamlessly weaved in. The story is driven by our main character, Percy the Puddle-loving Pug. He knows what he wants and loves, and is not afraid to try and get it. The art and text compliment one another perfectly. The underlying theme touches on being persistent to achieve goals.
Profile Image for Jocelin.
2,019 reviews47 followers
April 26, 2014
This was a really cute little book about a little pug that loved splashing in puddles. The pug is trying to find the puddle that feels just right. He finally finds one and it already has occupants: a few little piglets and their Mama pig. The story is simple and it has a very cute ending.
I liked the illustrations in this book, very colorful and animated.
Profile Image for Heidi-Marie.
3,855 reviews88 followers
April 15, 2015
Adorable illustrations. Sweet story about acceptance and even forgiveness as well. Worth a try in storytime to see how they take to it.

4/15/15 They really liked the illustrations. And they liked the story and seeing him try to get in the perfect puddle with the mama pig not liking it. I had them try to imitate mama pig's actions. Their eyes twitching was quite funny.
Profile Image for Dewey.
551 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2018
Look, I'm a sucker for a book with a cute dog. I can neither confirm nor deny that I moaned, "OH MY GOD this book is too cute!" while reading this at my desk. It might be a tiny bit too long for my baby crowd, but I'm going to try it and see. Because it. is. so. cute.
Profile Image for Sara.
91 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2014
Um, adorableness. I think my first story time of 2014 might have to be a dog or pig story time just so I can use this book.
Profile Image for Kristina Coop-a-Loop.
1,295 reviews556 followers
May 18, 2025
Puddle Pug by Kim Norman and illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi is a cute story for kids and the adults who read it to them (or just enjoy a cute book).

Percy the pug loves puddles and has splashed in all the puddles he can find. However, like Goldilocks, none of the puddles is just right: too tiny, too smelly, too froggy, too buggy, too sluggy. One day he sees the perfect puddle. It’s large, muddy, cool and brown. Percy squeezes under the fence and jumps in: puddle paradise! Unfortunately, this puddle is the home of Mama Pig and her piglets and she doesn’t want Percy there. Percy tries to sneak it—no good; Mama throws him out. He tries to bring treats—no good, Mama throws him out. Percy is sad because the piglets are his friends and he loves the puddle.

One day, a large storm howls through the area blows down a large tree into the puddle. Mama and her pigs run away and by the end of the day the whole family is together except Petunia, the tiniest pig. Percy is worried too and consults his puddle map: where would a tiny pig go? Why, to a tiny puddle of course! Percy triumphantly brings Petunia home and is welcomed into the perfect puddle by happy Mama pig.

This is a cute book with adorable drawings. My one complaint: why didn’t the author write in the scene of Percy finding Petunia? He is shown looking at his map, then he’s running to the puddle with Petunia on his back. That’s a sweet moment and it’s completely ignored. At any rate, it’s a cute book probably kids will like. I don’t have kids, so I don’t know. I just think the drawings are cute and I’ve read Thunder Pug, which is the sequel. They’re both cute books for kids and adults who like cute drawings of pugs and pigs.

Profile Image for Savani.
568 reviews35 followers
January 4, 2025
Kim Norman’s Puddle Pug is a heartwarming and delightful picture book that will charm young readers and adults alike. Coupled with Keika Yamaguchi’s enchanting illustrations, this story is a visual and narrative treat.

Story Overview:
The book follows Percy, a pug with a unique love for puddles. Percy explores a variety of puddles, each offering its own charm, but he yearns to find the perfect puddle. When Percy stumbles upon a mud puddle occupied by a family of pigs, his quest takes an unexpected turn as he learns the value of friendship and sharing.

Highlights:
Cute Storyline: The narrative is simple yet engaging, perfectly capturing Percy’s determination and the joy of finding unexpected companionship. The story is filled with gentle humor and warmth, making it a delightful read for children.
Illustrations: Keika Yamaguchi’s illustrations steal the show, bringing Percy’s personality and the whimsical world of puddles to life. The soft, textured artwork and vibrant colors make every page a visual delight.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Puddle Pug for its adorable story and captivating illustrations. It’s a perfect book for young children who love animals and enjoy stories about friendship. Whether you’re reading it aloud or exploring it quietly, this book is sure to bring smiles and joy.
Profile Image for Karley Conklin.
59 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2020
This precious gem of a picture book is now a top favorite of mine. Not only is the story utterly adorable, but it's also a lovely reminder of the wonder of friendship.

Percy the Pug loves puddles but has yet to find the perfect one. Then one morning, climbing under a fence, he finally sees the puddle of his dreams! Squishy and cool and muddy, this paradise of a pond has the one thing all other puddles lacked: friends.

The trouble is that Momma pig doesn't want Percy playing with her piggies. She sends him away from the pigs' puddle again and again, no matter how many times he tries to sneak back. Can Percy manage to save the day and win her over with an act of kindness?

This sweet story pairs charming illustrations by Keika Yamaguchi with Kim Norman's rhythmic  and engaging voice. It's a delight to read from start to finish, with a message that will leave you with a smile.
Profile Image for Olivia S.
781 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2018
Very sweet. Percy is a puddle pug, but when he finds the perfect puddle, there's already a pig family living in it. The baby pigs like him and want to share, but mama pig is not as friendly. When Percy pig saves little Petunia pig from a storm, mama realizes there's enough puddle to go around. Cute, repetitive in a good way, rhyming, adorable illustrations, good story. A bit wordy for really little ones, 3+. Spring, pigs, puddles, rain.
25 reviews
September 9, 2019
This book was my favorite of all five I had to read for class. The pictures of the pug and his shenanigans were adorable and I think all kids would love Percy the Pug. I actually checked this book out to read to my daughter while I was at the library. I think It is a great book to read to toddlers because the words are on the easy side and there aren’t a lot of them per page. The book has a lot of pages but like I said not a lot of words on them. A really great children’s book in my opinion.
73 reviews
June 11, 2020
Who doesn't love a good story about a dog that never gives up! This dog searches to find his favorite, best puddle and finds it. Once the puddle was found, he kept going. He wanted to be inside the puddle so he did everything in his power to work towards that. This book teaches a great lesson of working hard, and to never give up. This book gives young readers a character role model to look up to.
Profile Image for Mort's Kids.
400 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2021
The concept here is fantastic (puddles! pugs!) and some of the rhyming is top notch. The art is capable and there's some cute, subtle jokes. But I have to dock it some points for its frightfully predictable storyline, with some awkward pacing especially in the latter half.

P.S. Did you know that a group of pugs is called a "grumble"? I didn't learn this from Puddle Pug but you, dear reader, needed to learn.
Profile Image for Pam.
9,630 reviews52 followers
December 14, 2017
This pug loves playing in puddles. He keeps searching for the perfect puddle. When he finds it, it's already occupied by other animals who won't share. Percy tries various techniques to sneak into the mud puddle but is caught each time. Then something happens and Percy saves the day. Now, he's welcome to join them in their mud.
296 reviews2 followers
Read
June 28, 2022
Pug wiggles right into the heart. I think it's the endearing story that Kim Norman writes, coupled with the adorable pug himself illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi. A subtle story of belonging and fitting right in. I read Thunder Pug before this, so I knew about Petunia, but the origin story is very heartwarming.

Love these books.
12 reviews
January 18, 2023
Puddle Pug is a super adorable story about a Pug named Percy and his journey to find the perfect puddle. In my opinion this story is a cute one to tell young children. It's simplistic design and cute animal characters will hold their attention throughout the story and teach them a nice little message about staying true to their passions.

Puddle Pug is definitely worthy of 5 stars from me.
958 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2018
This book is so cute. I liked the main dog. He was so cute trying to find the best puddle. When he did the big puddle was occupied by pigs, and Mama pig didn't want to share.
I feel that children will like this book because of animals.
Profile Image for Holly.
591 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2019
This book is so cute! It's about a little Pug looking for the best mud puddle ever! My son absolutely loved it! He like the Pug likes to go hunting for the best, most sppashiest, muddiest puddles ever!
Profile Image for Juliet McGee.
70 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
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Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,398 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2021
Percy the puddle dog just loves splashing around in puddles. But the best puddle of all is inhabited by momma pig who doesn't want to share. Until mamma pig needs Percy's help. A cute story about sharing and helping. And a pretty cute pug as the star.
Profile Image for Joanne Roberts.
1,312 reviews19 followers
May 17, 2023
Predictable but cute with gorgeously addicting drawings make this friendship story a must-read. A pug and some pigs with a sprinkling of ducks, turtles, hedgehogs etc. Lovely repeatable rhyming sections and a little too much alliteration, but on the whole, delightful.
Profile Image for Jessica DeWitt.
522 reviews82 followers
October 15, 2024
Picked at random from the library shelf by our two-year-old, Percy the Puddle Pug became an instant fave character in our household. A classic tale of having to prove one's self in order to be accepted, our daughter is quite taken with the tale and the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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