The Adventures of Tubby Nugget: Escape from Nuggetville #1: A Graphic Novel

The Adventures of Tubby Nugget #1

by Jenine Pastores, Josh Jackson

Embark on an unforgettable journey with social media sensation Tubby Nugget in this delightful graphic novel!

Welcome to Nuggetville, a quaint town on Planet Nüg that the adorable and ever-optimistic Tubby Nugget calls home. Life there is sweet, filled with playful friends, delicious snacks, and endless creativity.

But when the time comes for Tubby to take part in the customary Dunking ceremony to become a golden nugget—and say goodbye to the life he's always known as a little nug—he realizes that he yearns for something different. Can his heart feel at home somewhere new? Join Tubby on a daring journey as he bravely defies tradition to stay true to himself. 

Whether you're a longtime fan of Tubby Nugget or new to his adventures, this graphic novel promises to be a nugget of joy in your reading collection. Grab your favorite snack and get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure with Tubby Nugget!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fiction, Juvenile, Childrens

112 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Molly O'Neil]

Such a cute and wholesome book! And a wonderful story about following who you are, whoever that may be. Will definitely be reading several more times to come!

[Samuel Thomas]

I love Tubby’s animations and the positivity they spread. This was an adorable origin story for the little guy and is definitely one I will pick up many more times both for myself and my little ones. Fab!

[Andrew]

If you've seen Tubby Nugget online, now you can experience where Tubby came from and how his life changed.
This is a super cute extension and exposition of Tubby Nugget and every message Tubby delivers.
The illustrations are cute and colorful.
Cute read!

[Maggie]

I follow the Tubby Nugget account on TikTok and when I saw there was an ARC available for a graphic novel I had to immediately get it. This was such an adorable little story and I cannot wait to read more.

[Meg (fiction_gryphon)]

Heartwarming and adorable, just like the comics we know and love!

[Matt Glaviano]

3.5

Unexpectedly political. We need a word for dystopian societies populated by foods.

Cute book, but the illustration was kinda lame.

Read more like a brand launch than a story.

[Nrlhakimin]

In Nuggetville, all little brown nuggets are named after numbers. They only earn a name when they are deemed worthy in a ceremony called Dunking, where brown nuggets turn golden. Our little protagonist does not wish to turn golden because he will not be allowed to do the things he loves. 929 is on a mission to defy the law in order to find his happiness.

For Hussain, he gave this book 10 million stars because it’s cute. As a mother, I read this and am inspired by how Tubby’s parents support his wish to live by doing the things he loves. I wish to be that kind of parent for my kids.

When the world refuses to understand, parents should be the support system, believing in them when no one else would.

Thank you @putrifariza @times.reads @tubbynugget for showing us that escaping from a prison that stops you from living life is okay..and that the changes you make can cause a ripple effect, showing others that it’s possible and doable.
You matter. Your happiness matters.

[Manda Marigold]

The Adventures of Tubby Nugget: Escape from Nuggetville #1: A Graphic Novel by Jenine Pastores & Josh Jackson is an absolute delight! This fun and quick read follows Tubby as he faces a tough decision: stay within tradition and become a golden nugget or break free and find somewhere new that feels like home. 🏞️

I loved watching Tubby’s journey of self-discovery and how he navigates the crossroads between tradition and forging his own path. The art style is SO cute, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I've been a fan of Tubby Nugget's social media, and this graphic novel just solidified my love for him. ❤️

I’m crossing my fingers for an audiobook version in the future so I can hear the journey in Tubby’s voice! 🎧

Overall, a charming story that will leave you smiling and thinking about what it means to truly find a place where your heart feels at home. 💛

[Voyevoda]

It’s the best nugget ever!! I adopted my own nugget about a year or so ago and Tubby has gotten me through more than one battle with my own brain. To see them come to life and have a full origin story is just wonderful.

10/5 because Tubby deserves it!

Read it if you want to…it’ll make you smile!

[angelofmine1974]

As a follower of Tubby Nugget on Instagram, I was pleasantly surprised to read the graphic novel. It's the story of how Tubby came to be and how he did not want to be a golden nugget like everyone else. Love the story of how the authors came up with the idea of Tubby Nugget. Looking forward to reading more of these graphic novels.

[Rebecca]

The character is very cute. I wasn't so sure about the analogy of grown-ups having to give up everything fun. But I did like the message of standing up to be able to be yourself and pursue the things you enjoy. And the art was very cute!

[Mariella Murillo]

A cute little book!

I’ve been a fan of Tubby Nugget since 2020, and I have enjoyed it all the time. I adopted my own Nugget in 2023, and I met the creators and crew at LA Comic Con 2024. This is a very cute little web series that you totally should check out!

[Kate]

I've been following Tubby Nugget on social media for almost 4 years now, and have loved the gentle, uplifting whimsy our favourite nugget helps provide.
This back story was just as charming, and I look forward to more Adventures of Tubby Nugget in the future!

[Rebecca Duchesneau]

So cute, so quick, so fun!

[Mary Jeneverre]

Theo

[Lindsey Haderlie Boulier]

Cute
Fast Read

[Mila Park]

A bit scary

[Coralie Peters]

Great illustrations! Tubby nugget is so cute. Short but very sweet!

[Claire]

This is so cute! I have been following Tubby Nugget on Instagram for a while. This is the sweetest story. I never noticed that their arms are black and they stay black after a full body dunking in gold! Can't wait for the next book.

[Randa]

Absolutely adorable!

As nugget fans, our family was so excited for this book. It didn’t disappoint! The story is so creative, will all the inspiration and humor you expect from Tubby Nugget. We’ve read it multiple times and it’s still just as fun each time. We can’t wait for the next one!

[Danielle Berg]

Started off slow, but then I grew attached to tubby! Super sweet comic with some heartwarming themes of being true to yourself and being welcoming to all.

[Kevin]

Arguably should be called "Escape from Planet Nug," but close enough.

[Jamie]

Super cute, no notes.

[Patty]

I love Tubby Nugget. Whenever he shows up in my social media feed, it’s a guaranteed smile. So I had to get his origin story comic.

It’s a fun, quick read, and I enjoyed it a lot.

[Christina]

Cute, easy comic to read. Interesting backstory choices for Tubby, but a lighthearted little book.

[Heidi]

Such a cute graphic novel with a wonderful message for kids to be themselves!