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Ode to a Pug
Independent Press Award Winner in Animals/Pets and Childrens Poetry and NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite!
Meet Phoebe. A precocious pug who delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!
Laugh along with the snorting, snoring and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can't fix, right?
A true delight that any family can relate to, "Ode to a Pug" is full of heart... and a lot of slobber.
The original book that inspired a series of fun, adorably illustrated, read-aloud stories perfect for children ages 2-8 and dog lovers of all ages!
Meet Phoebe. A precocious pug who delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!
Laugh along with the snorting, snoring and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can't fix, right?
A true delight that any family can relate to, "Ode to a Pug" is full of heart... and a lot of slobber.
The original book that inspired a series of fun, adorably illustrated, read-aloud stories perfect for children ages 2-8 and dog lovers of all ages!
38 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
10195 people want to read
About the author
Jill Rosen
10 books65 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn't need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!
Through her brand management work, Jill's early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.
Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can't wait to share them with all the young readers out there!
Through her brand management work, Jill's early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.
Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can't wait to share them with all the young readers out there!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 18, 2024
I received this book from The Children’s Book Review + Jill Rosen in exchange of an honest review.
In this adorable book we read about a cute (but very naughty) pug and the owner who is just 100% frazzled by everything! It was a really sweet and fun read and while, thankfully, my puppy is not that bad I could definitely feel the emotions of the owner. My dog is currently in puberty and that means that she will do whatever she wants, which drives us batty. Things just go one ear in and one ear out right away. And seeing what the pug owner was going through? I mean, I would have also flipped! Eating all the things, pooping everywhere, not listening. So I did expect what happened in the middle and also kinda expected what happens after that decision.
Because yes, the dog is a menace at times, but look how cute it is. Look how adorable. Look how much love the little one gives. I loved that after that decision the book goes for more positivity as it highlights all the good things that the pug has, it made me smile that despite everything she could see all the good still. And girl, I can tell you, that you can always ask for help/go on training to make sure he doesn’t eat all the things, or poop in the house all the time.
Oh, and pugs are not the only ones who should just keep their farts in. LORD, my dog at times. PHEW, so stinky! And out of nowhere. She would be on your lap and suddenly death comes in.
The illustrations were just so cute and fun! I really love the style.
I would recommend this cute and fun book, dog owners will definitely recognise scenarios in this farty pug + frazzled owner story!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
In this adorable book we read about a cute (but very naughty) pug and the owner who is just 100% frazzled by everything! It was a really sweet and fun read and while, thankfully, my puppy is not that bad I could definitely feel the emotions of the owner. My dog is currently in puberty and that means that she will do whatever she wants, which drives us batty. Things just go one ear in and one ear out right away. And seeing what the pug owner was going through? I mean, I would have also flipped! Eating all the things, pooping everywhere, not listening. So I did expect what happened in the middle and also kinda expected what happens after that decision.
Because yes, the dog is a menace at times, but look how cute it is. Look how adorable. Look how much love the little one gives. I loved that after that decision the book goes for more positivity as it highlights all the good things that the pug has, it made me smile that despite everything she could see all the good still. And girl, I can tell you, that you can always ask for help/go on training to make sure he doesn’t eat all the things, or poop in the house all the time.
Oh, and pugs are not the only ones who should just keep their farts in. LORD, my dog at times. PHEW, so stinky! And out of nowhere. She would be on your lap and suddenly death comes in.
The illustrations were just so cute and fun! I really love the style.
I would recommend this cute and fun book, dog owners will definitely recognise scenarios in this farty pug + frazzled owner story!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 23, 2024
Hilarious For All Ages
It doesn't matter that this is a middle grade book told in prose. This adorable book is hilarious and will appeal to dog lovers of all ages. It's just charming!
I like the realism. Yes, the pee and poo aren't my gig, but kids will love it. Plus, it's true. It isn't your favorite part of pet owning, but you do overlook it because of love.
I can see families enjoying this book together as well as individual readers. There's a lot of potential to open dialogue about unconditional love, responsibilities, and commitment. An entertaining book with the ability to teach - perfect for our youth!
It doesn't matter that this is a middle grade book told in prose. This adorable book is hilarious and will appeal to dog lovers of all ages. It's just charming!
I like the realism. Yes, the pee and poo aren't my gig, but kids will love it. Plus, it's true. It isn't your favorite part of pet owning, but you do overlook it because of love.
I can see families enjoying this book together as well as individual readers. There's a lot of potential to open dialogue about unconditional love, responsibilities, and commitment. An entertaining book with the ability to teach - perfect for our youth!
October 11, 2024
This book was so fun and absolutely adorable! I won a copy in a giveaway and my 6 year old (who absolutely loves pugs) read this book with me while giggling the entire time! We both enjoyed this a lot 😊
March 12, 2024
Any dog owner can relate to this delightful tale of a pug whose owner is at her wit’s end. Stinky poots. Drool everywhere. Clothing and furniture chewed and frayed. And the poop! Readers will see the adorable dog chewing on rugs, barking at cats (or trying to), and burrowing in the laundry basket. The owner gets dizzy watching her dog run laps around the house, has to pinch her nose shut from deadly doggy gas, and even decides that she will have to give her dog up.
But don’t panic, the ties that bind are too strong. Despite the fact that her dog can “snore like a geezer, 100-years-old,” there are also the puppy dog eyes at mealtimes, the curly tail and the furry wrinkles. The illustrations capture the “zoomies” around the room, the green cloud of “poot,” and the over-the-top barking at any other dog on the television screen. How can the despair over never making it outside in time to avoid a mess on the floor possibly outweigh how cute a pug in a beret looks?
Whether kids or parents have a pug of their own, have some other furry family member, or just happen to appreciate pet stories, they will all get laughs galore from this great portrait of a beloved pet.
But don’t panic, the ties that bind are too strong. Despite the fact that her dog can “snore like a geezer, 100-years-old,” there are also the puppy dog eyes at mealtimes, the curly tail and the furry wrinkles. The illustrations capture the “zoomies” around the room, the green cloud of “poot,” and the over-the-top barking at any other dog on the television screen. How can the despair over never making it outside in time to avoid a mess on the floor possibly outweigh how cute a pug in a beret looks?
Whether kids or parents have a pug of their own, have some other furry family member, or just happen to appreciate pet stories, they will all get laughs galore from this great portrait of a beloved pet.
January 12, 2024
Thank you to the author Jill Rosen, Stephanie Rohr and Goodreads for the advance reading copy of this book.
What a delightful book about a naughty little pug! I took the book with me on my visit to my great nephew and niece today. They were thrilled to have a new story read to them. They totally related to the little pug as their family has an equally mischievous and smelly Frenchie! They giggled all the way through, and were so pleased when I gifted the book to them before I left.
Wonderful rhyming story and lovely artwork to accompany it. I (along with the littles) look forward to future books from this author!
4.5 out if 5 🌟
What a delightful book about a naughty little pug! I took the book with me on my visit to my great nephew and niece today. They were thrilled to have a new story read to them. They totally related to the little pug as their family has an equally mischievous and smelly Frenchie! They giggled all the way through, and were so pleased when I gifted the book to them before I left.
Wonderful rhyming story and lovely artwork to accompany it. I (along with the littles) look forward to future books from this author!
4.5 out if 5 🌟
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September 3, 2024What a funny, laugh-out-loud book for all dog lovers!
We have had the pleasure of meeting some pugs- and this book truly captures their unique personalities! I’m sure the ups & downs, adventures & mishaps, and all out FUN of having a pug as a pet would truly be THIS wild! Children will love the ‘out there’ illustrations (who doesn’t like seeing a dog toot 😛) and the mischievous & hilarious scenes.
We have had the pleasure of meeting some pugs- and this book truly captures their unique personalities! I’m sure the ups & downs, adventures & mishaps, and all out FUN of having a pug as a pet would truly be THIS wild! Children will love the ‘out there’ illustrations (who doesn’t like seeing a dog toot 😛) and the mischievous & hilarious scenes.
Read
August 31, 2024This cute and silly picture book tells the story of a woman who is frustrated by her pug's crazy antics and bad behaviour, but eventually realizes how much she loves her pug and that all of the things that drive her crazy and also the things she loves about him. The illustrations are funny, especially the looks on the dog's face and the bathroom humour about toots and accidents in the house are bound to have kids laughing.
The owner does threaten to give the dog away, which is a bit heartbreaking for me as a former Humane Society employee, but she does reassure the dog later on that she would never give him away. I think that the message that pets are a commitment and part of the family is important though and if I could make one change it would be around that, but showing kids that we sometimes say things we don't mean is important too. And the book is a reminder that pets are a lot of work, so that's a good thing too!
The owner does threaten to give the dog away, which is a bit heartbreaking for me as a former Humane Society employee, but she does reassure the dog later on that she would never give him away. I think that the message that pets are a commitment and part of the family is important though and if I could make one change it would be around that, but showing kids that we sometimes say things we don't mean is important too. And the book is a reminder that pets are a lot of work, so that's a good thing too!
June 5, 2024
Do you own a pug or think they are so adorable?
This author owns a pug and pens the cutest poem to her beloved dog. However, she has such a hate/love relationship. Her pug is cute and everything but the dog does some unsavory things like chew her favorite chair and poop on the carpets. Ugh, what is this pug owner to do? Give him away of course, that is until the day, she does not.
I do not currently own a dog but I can relate to many of the things this owner/author wrote about. It was quite amusing and yet, I could feel her frustrations. I laughed out loud at some of them.
The author's illustrations were cartoon-ish and added so much to the overall children's book. This was just simply too cute!
4 stars.
Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours.
This author owns a pug and pens the cutest poem to her beloved dog. However, she has such a hate/love relationship. Her pug is cute and everything but the dog does some unsavory things like chew her favorite chair and poop on the carpets. Ugh, what is this pug owner to do? Give him away of course, that is until the day, she does not.
I do not currently own a dog but I can relate to many of the things this owner/author wrote about. It was quite amusing and yet, I could feel her frustrations. I laughed out loud at some of them.
The author's illustrations were cartoon-ish and added so much to the overall children's book. This was just simply too cute!
4 stars.
Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours.
March 8, 2024
We received this book as winners of a giveaway from the author, complete with stickers and two pug plushies for the littles! This whole pug family ADORED this book, including our sweet Ghost pictured below. The text flowed well and was hilarious - relatable to any pug or dog owner, but still so humorous that any reader would get giggles out of it. It perfectly portrays the silliness of pugs that make them so loveable. I highly recommend this for your collections!
Thank you so much for this gift, Jill!
Thank you so much for this gift, Jill!
May 12, 2024
This was a cute, illustrated poem to an adorable pug. I enjoyed the rhymes, the funny doodles, and the truth of the matter. I especially liked the zany energy and lively action in the drawings.
“When it’s time to go potty, you do let me know, but just a few seconds before you must go.”
The dog has to go! But…
“When I give you a kiss, I smush each furry wrinkle, so soft on my skin, I don’t care if you tinkle.”
“Today is the day I know you will stay, of course, I could never give you away.”
A wonderful and sweet read! Too funny! It accurately describes the life you get with a furry, little friend. A must read for any dog lover!
“When it’s time to go potty, you do let me know, but just a few seconds before you must go.”
The dog has to go! But…
“When I give you a kiss, I smush each furry wrinkle, so soft on my skin, I don’t care if you tinkle.”
“Today is the day I know you will stay, of course, I could never give you away.”
A wonderful and sweet read! Too funny! It accurately describes the life you get with a furry, little friend. A must read for any dog lover!
June 21, 2024
Any pet owner will relate to this story of the ups and downs of having an animal in their home and everything that comes with it; chewed furniture and clothing, cleaning up after accidents, occasional attack of the zoomies, drool and dog hair everywhere and smelly toots to boot. But it's not all bad, this naughty but unique pug still warms the heart with his cuteness. The illustrations are really wonderful, I love that the text is written as a poem. An adorable, delightful and funny book! A must read!
October 8, 2024
I received this book through a giveaway. Not only did we receive this book but it also came with a handwritten note and a cute pug stuffed animal. My son absolutely loved the book and we were laughing together while reading it. He also loved the pug stuffie ❤️ Thanks for the lovely book and pug stuffie! We loved it! The handwritten note was the perfect addition to the package!
April 30, 2024
A must read!
My granddaughter couldn't stop laughing
Yes I narrated
Wonderfully written story about a slightly, okay maybe very is a better word, overactive
and occasionally destructive pug who has his mom at her wits ends
Colorfully illustrated beautifully written
My granddaughter couldn't stop laughing
Yes I narrated
Wonderfully written story about a slightly, okay maybe very is a better word, overactive
and occasionally destructive pug who has his mom at her wits ends
Colorfully illustrated beautifully written
October 9, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for sending me this book. I happen to be the owner of a puggle, so I can totally relate. I loved the book and can’t wait to read it to my grandsons. The writing and illustrations were delightful!
February 21, 2025
I won this book on a Giveaway from the author Jill Rosen. Jill wrote a personal note & included a little stuffy Pug with the book which is so cute. I was waiting to read it to my one year old grandson who loves dogs and books. Enjoyed this book, THANKS
April 28, 2025
Really true
This captures pug love perfectly, lol. It's so cute and fun. I love this book so much! I'm going to introduce my pug puppy to my storytime toddlers, and this is the perfect book to read to them.
This captures pug love perfectly, lol. It's so cute and fun. I love this book so much! I'm going to introduce my pug puppy to my storytime toddlers, and this is the perfect book to read to them.
August 29, 2024
Thanks Gwen
January 3, 2025
Very cute book, perfect gift idea for pug owners! Thanks for the giveaway, my 6 and 8 year old love this one and the plush was so cute too!
April 20, 2026
I entered this giveaway for my little grandson. Thank you so much Jill Rosen!! The little plush pug was such a amazing bonus to the giveaway. It is so perfect for tiny little hands to grasp, hold on to while being read the story. So well written, the artwork is beautiful. My grandson loves the story and insists that it be read to him every night. Kudos for a well written and pictured book for children. Absolutely adore it!!
November 8, 2025
This book is adorable!!! I love the artwork, cadence of book, and the realistic but funny complaints!! This was a giveaway win and the author signed the book plus sent an adorable pug plushy!! My daughter loved everything about it! Definitely recommend to all the pug lovers out there.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews