Pug Blasts Off

Diary of a Pug #1

by Kyla May (author/illustrator), Sonia Sander

The first book in a sweet and funny new Branches series about a pug and his human, told from the pug's POV! Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Baron von Bubbles, a.k.a "Bub," is the self-proclaimed cutest pug on the planet! Things he fashion, peanut butter, and his human, Bella. Things he does NOT Nutz the squirrel, baths, and the rain. When Bella enters the Inventor Challenge, Bub helps her craft the best project ever. But what happens when Nutz gets on Bub's nerves and makes him ruin Bella's project? If Bub wants to make it up to Bella, he'll have to stand up to Nutz -- and the rain -- once and for all.With full-color artwork throughout, this funny and charming diary-format early chapter book is perfect for anyone who believes a furry pal is the best kind of friend.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Dogs, Graphic Novels, Humor

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute early reader that I can't wait to share with one of my favorite early readers!

[Sharah McConville · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun start to the series. My son and I read Pug Blasts Off together.

[CHLOE PARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because bub was so brave of Bella's rocket wing and he gave his peanut butter to his natural enemy Nutz and Nutz gave the rocket wing back.

[AnneMarie]

Buddy read with 8-yr-old grandson

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diary of a Pug depicts the everyday life of Bub and his companions and the shenanigans they get into.  This week?  Bella must do a science project.  Filled with illustrations and a classic children's literature set-up of cause-and-effect, this makes for a great book to help young readers remain not only entertained, but entertained while they take in the motions of literary structure.  

This is great for the pug-lover and for those who enjoy cute, quick reads.

Review cross-listed here!

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great chapter book for beginners. I love how it’s told from Bub the Pug’s point of view. Bub has to help his human, Bella with her school project and boy does he have lots of ideas. I’m excited to share this with my young friends.

[Michal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute beginner chapter book!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book it just gives me a feeling that I can go any where with the book and not be judged on the book that I read and carry around with me.

[Zerlinna Teague · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6 year old and I read this together. She really liked it.

[Brenda Kahn]

Early chapter book featuring an adorable pug and a girl steeped in STEM! What's not to love?

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My thoughts} – Bub is a fun little Pug that likes to be helpful to his owner Bella. He likes to help her with her projects, to snuggle her and to wake her up when she is trying to sleep. He enjoys dress up and cannot stand being out in the rain.

In this book they make a rocket together, but it ends up getting ruined. So he does everything he can to try and get all the pieces back so they can put it back together. However, Bella decides she wants to make something other then the rocket so they get to work on that.

Bub learns that when he really wants something, he shouldn’t be afraid to try and get it. He overcomes his fear of rain through his love for Bella.

This book reminds me a lot of the set up for The Owl Diary Series by Rebecca Elliot. It has the same general look and feel. I really enjoyed reading through it and learning about Bub and Bella. The illustrations and the words on the pages go together nicely. They help to keep the reader engaged in the story.

I look forward to reading more books in this series as they release.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I work for Scholastic, but the ideas in this post are all of my own opinions.

This is an adorable book about a cute pug named Bub who hates the rain, and loves helping his human with arts and craft projects. Bub and Bella set out to create an invention for a school project. Trouble strikes, however, and they have to start again.

This is a great book for someone who is still transitioning from picture books to chapter books. It would also be a great choice for someone who likes to read diaries. It is part of the Branches series put out by Scholastic, which are designed to help kiddos enjoy reading during the time when they transition to harder books with no pictures.

One note: the author of this book is Kyla May, not Sonia Sander. The Goodreads people needs to correct this error on their website (as of 9-10-19).

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute, and the pug's owner is a girl who wins an invention prize, so nice girl power theme!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Dear Diary, Baron Von Bubbles here. But everyone calls me Bub. Here are some things to know about me: I always dress to impress. I make many different faces: belly rub face, have to go out face, really have to go out face, face for Duchess. (She acts like she owns the place.) Face for Nutz. (He steals my stuff all the time.) Here are some of my favorite things: My skateboard. Bear. Peanut butter.


Premise/plot: Readers meet Bub and Bella in this first book in a new series published by Scholastic. Bella is super-excited to be participating in an inventing challenge competition. But inventing something new and exciting is tough work. Especially with Bub, Duchess, and a crazy squirrel running around. When Bella's first invention goes amiss, can Bub help save the day?!


My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I thought Bub was adorable. I was glad that there was also a cat in the series. The series is in a heavily illustrated notebook format. It makes for a quick and cutesy read. The art is bold, colorful, and CUTESY.


It is similar to the Owl Diaries series, in my opinion.

[Sara Magnafichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an uncorrected proof from Scholastic to read and review. I read it to my students (1st grade) and they absolutely loved this story. The mix of illustrations, dialogue, and text make for a quick and fun read aloud that brings Bub the Pug to life. Bub's voice truly comes through, as the narrator of the story. This is book 1 of a new series within the Scholastic Branches line. In this story, we learn that Bub absolutely hates getting rain. One day, his owner Bella and Bub run into a serious problem involving an invention she makes for a contest. Will Bub be able to solve the problem? Can he save the day? This book will have children laughing out loud. This is a great book to use when introducing expression and voice to children. I highly recommend this series!

[3queensread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own. Pug Blasts Off is the first book in the Diary of a Pug series of Scholastic's Branches line of early chapter books. This books will be a hit for it's intended target of children ages 5-7 years old. In this book, we are introduced to a Pug named Bub. The book is in diary format from Bub's point of view. We find out how Pug spends his days and meet his owner Bella. Bella surprises Bub be entering them into an Inventor Challenge. There starts a few mishaps in the process of building their project. The story was fun and lighthearted. Kids will love Bub the Pub and will not be able to wait to read the next books in the series.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug) by Kyla May, 72 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/CHAPTER BOOK. Acorn (Scholastic), OCT 2019. $5 (PB). 9781338530056

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Inventor Fair is coming up and Bub the Pug’s human, Bella, is working on her invention. When Bub ruins it, he has to work really hard to help Bella succeed.

A good buy in paperback. Bub is pretty cute and his earnestness when he tries to help Bella is adorable. Get all of the Acorns for those slightly older students who just haven’t bloomed into readers.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of the series this summer with my 7yr old. The books are cute (pics and story lines) and make a really good transition from picture book to chapter book. Plenty of color pics to keep kids interested but also plenty of story to make nice little chapters. My son was also able to read these on his own. Some we read aloud together, some he read on his own and I read after him and we discussed.

[April Grob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cuteness is real real. I think this is cute 2-4 grade book.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story and enjoyed the illustrations. The pug is exactly how I picture most pugs to be.

[annielikestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc from Scholastic at bookcon. Although I'm not in the targeted reading audience, I read it anyway and I thought it was cute and funny. Great book for kids.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and funny new Scholastic Branches series about a pug named Barron Von Bubbles a.k.a Bub! I read an advanced copy - the first book comes out in September/October 2019.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off! is an awesome book that will take you on a thrilling adventure with Bob the Pug and his owner Bella. It's all about their journey through the Inventor Challenge and the exciting things that happen along the way.

In the beginning, Bella joins the Inventor Challenge and wants to make a rocket. She is super excited about her project, but then something terrible happens! Bob, the cute pug, accidentally ruins Bella's rocket with a big mistake. Oh no, what a mess!

But don't worry; Bob is determined to fix the rocket before the adventure challenge begins. He wants to make things right and doesn't give up easily. Bob is a clever pug, and he comes up with an even better idea for Bella's invention. I won't spoil it for you, but it's really cool!

One of the most exciting parts of the book is when Bob decides to make a tunnel out of junk in the courtyard. He's trying to cross it, and it gets really intense! But, uh-oh, the tunnel breaks! It was a close call, but Bob didn't let that stop him. He shows us that if you keep trying and don't give up, you can create anything you put your mind to.

This book teaches us an important lesson. It reminds us that even if things go wrong, we shouldn't give up. We should keep trying and never stop believing in ourselves. Bob's determination and creativity inspire us to do our best and be resourceful. Doing a lot of research can help us develop even better ideas.

Overall, Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off! is an exciting and funny book that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Bob the Pug is a lovable character, and his adventures with Bella are full of surprises. I recommend this book to all kids who enjoy fun and imaginative stories. So grab a copy and join Bob and Bella on their incredible journey through the Inventor Challenge!

I put together an awesome review of this book. Make sure to watch the full version on my YouTube channel!
https://youtu.be/MeEg_ogPJMY

[Alivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I read in quarter two was Diary of a Pug by Kyla May and it's my favorite genre.And the pictures in the book are so very cute! And the main character will make you laugh. Diary of a Pug the pug and all there names name is Baron von and his nickname is bubbles. And Duchess and nutz,,And the setting for the book is “At Bubs new house” THE PROBLEM….Nutz and Duchess,Nutz takes everything of bubs aka Baron von,and Duchess picks on bub,PS…Bub is so nervous because he has a talent show to do.One antagonist in Diary of a Pug is Nutz because nutz takes everything of Bubs.A second antagonist is Duchess because she bullies Bub a lot. There are three reasons why you should read Diary of a pug by Kayla May
The first reason is that it shows important life lessons And selfishness is ugly,Bub demonstrates this in the story. The second reason why you should read this book is Bubs point of view, and this made me laugh. The third reason why you should read the book is I love this book because I relate to Baron von. He loves food and I love food. If you are looking for a book, that’s really hard to put down. Check out a copy of Diary of a pug by Kayla May today.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a sweet and funny new Branches series about a pug and his human, told from the pug's POV!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Baron von Bubbles, a.k.a "Bub," is the self-proclaimed cutest pug on the planet! Things he loves: fashion, peanut butter, and his human, Bella. Things he does NOT love: Nutz the squirrel, baths, and the rain. When Bella enters the Inventor Challenge, Bub helps her craft the best project ever. But what happens when Nutz gets on Bub's nerves and makes him ruin Bella's project? If Bub wants to make it up to Bella, he'll have to stand up to Nutz -- and the rain -- once and for all.

With full-color artwork throughout, this funny and charming diary-format early chapter book is perfect for anyone who believes a furry pal is the best kind of friend.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baron Von Bubbles, or “Bub,” is the self-proclaimed “cutest pug on the planet.” His life has been pretty great since Bella brought him home for a pet adoption fair. He only has a few bumps in his perfect life. First bump: an annoying cat named Duchess, who lives in the house, too, and calls him Bubby-kins (he hates that). Second bump: Nutz, a crazy squirrel who lives outside and is always stealing Bub’s stuff. Third bump: The enemy! Bub hates any kind of water, especially rain.

In their first adventure together, Bella is going to enter an Inventor Challenge and she wants Bub’s help. Unfortunately, things go awry with the first invention. But in Bub’s attempt to help fix the first problem, Bella comes up with an even better idea.

Fans of the Owl Diaries and Unicorn Diaries series will sure to pick this one up, as well.

[CONSTANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as in adult book clubs, sometimes you have to go to the readers to get some good suggestions and that’s the case with this series – the recommender being my 7 yo grandson. And a good suggestion it is.
Bella’s pug Bub loves dressing up like Bella, being with Bella, and peanut butter. Unfortunately he does not like Nutz, the annoying squirrel, or rain or baths or being cold.
In Book # 1, Bub “helps” Bella with her science experiment and in Book # 2, as is apparent from the title, Bella wants Bub to play in the snow with her. Told via Pug’s diary, the books are filled with humor and lots of cute illustrations; an excellent early chapter book series that can be read in any order. Book #14 comes out in December of this year and #15 in July 2026.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bub is trying to help his human, Bella, develop her invention for the contest she has entered, but things aren't going smoothly. There's his fear of the rain and heights, and a very pesky squirrel. Can he help Bella, or is he too much of a chicken?

This is part traditional text and part graphic novel, so it is a pretty quick read. I like that it is in full color, as that helps draw readers in. And I like the little girl into science. Bub is sure to win over readers quickly. He's a well-meaning, loving pet even if he has his weaknesses. This is a cute little story about problem solving and friendship. Hand this to dog lovers, reluctant readers, and budding inventors.

No content issues.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baron Von Bubbles, more commonly known as Bub is a pug who loves his human Bella, but hates getting wet. Bub is excited to help Bella with her Inventor’s Challenge contest. A mischievous squirrel causes trouble with Bella’s project and Bub is determined to help fix it. Bella uses Bub’s dislike of water as inspiration for a new invention.

Short chapter book with color pictures. Fun dog story with engineering connections.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bub helps her human create an invention for the contest at school. When he accidentally damages it, he will have to think outside the box and face his fears to fix it. A cute first chapter book for animal lovers. I'm not sure I'd believe that a dog would write in a diary. Even though pugs always have the same dopey faces, I wish Bub's facial expressions changed a bit more. He always looks sad to me.