An interview about the Ode to a Pug Series by Jill Rosen and Stephanie Rohr, presented by The Children’s Book Review.
Today, we sit down with Jill Rosen and Stephanie Rohr, the delightful duo behind the Ode to a Pug series, to chat about the real-life pets and family moments that inspired their humorous and heartfelt books.
Jill Rosen, the author behind the Ode to a Pug series, brings humor and heart to her stories, drawing inspiration from her many real-life pets and the sibling dynamics within her own family. Working alongside illustrator Stephanie Rohr, who perfectly captures the spirit of these lovable characters, the duo creates stories that balance wit with warmth.
That Cat! isn’t just a funny pet story—it’s a relatable tale about change, jealousy, and learning to love new companions.
In our conversation, Jill and Stephanie share the inspirations behind their characters, the balance of humor and emotion in their writing, and how their stories help kids navigate big feelings with warmth and laughter. Read on!
Tell us a little bit about the background for the book – who are the animal inspirations for the story?
Jill Rosen: Of course the pug is inspired by our own personal gremlin, Phoebe. Like all pugs, sharing anything, including the spotlight, isn’t in her DNA. She has had to learn to coexist with two other dogs and two cats, and it’s often funny to watch her navigate different scenarios to make sure she is center stage while also secretly loving the companionship and inevitable resulting chaos of pack life.
Although we do have two adorable cats who display many of the feline characteristics and idiosyncrasies in the book (like our cat Flynn who really will ONLY drink from the sink), the main inspiration for THAT CAT! was actually Oreo, our first family cat who lived to 18 years old. She was a true alpha cat and completely ruled the house… including our two, much larger rescue dogs. She was a huge cuddle-bug who slept on my shoulder every night and also had very special bonds with our two boys that came along after her. She looked out for them. She unfortunately did have an obsessive fascination with wires – no matter how well we hid or taped them, she would find them. So we had a few vet trips as a result!
The other inspiration for the relationship dynamic was my own human experience with my sister. Although we are best friends now, that wasn’t always the case! Like most siblings, we went through all the ups and downs and rivalries you might expect for two girls sharing one house… and one bathroom… and one phone line (now I feel old). But we both knew we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
People are stereotypically considered to be either “cat people” or “dog people”, but this story shows how you can be both. What do you think of those categorizations?
Jill Rosen: I do know people who are strictly “dog people” or “cat people”. I actually thought I only was a dog person… until I came across a scrawny, all-black kitten that no one wanted (because it was all black) and I just had to take him in. Cat life took some getting used to, and I might have raised him more like a dog because I didn’t know anything else, but I can say that I eventually became a cat person too. Both animals are so different, but each have endearing qualities which can break through previous perceptions and create room to fall in love. Sometimes I think we just group ourselves with what’s familiar. If you put the time in, anyone can become both a dog and a cat person… or a bird person… or a ferret person (yes, I had two ferrets)… or even a lizard person (I had an iguana who was our floor mascot at University, although he was technically not allowed in residence, so maybe don’t share that!).
In the story, it’s not until she thinks the cat is gone that Phoebe realizes she quite liked it. What message do you want readers to take away from the story about learning to accept new individuals into the family?
Jill Rosen: Simply put, the more the merrier. The more we love, the more love we get back, and it’s worth all the struggle that comes with it. Life is just more fun and interesting when we open ourselves up to the unfamiliar. And there is always more than enough love (and laps) to go around.
Children often are nervous about new siblings entering their world. Will Mommy and Daddy still love me the same? Will I have to share my things? It’s natural for our little ones to have both excitement and anxieties, just as Phoebe did. And there will be some bumps along the way. But underneath it all, will be love, appreciation, and acceptance… and a lot more laughs!
The cat is not the easiest new companion to get along with – but Phoebe can be just as difficult from the human point of view! What would you like readers to take away from the story about self-reflection and selfishness?
Jill Rosen: I want readers to understand that nobody is perfect and that’s ok. We’re all perfectly imperfect. We not only have to learn to accept and appreciate other’s faults or oddities (like pooping in a box), but also realize that others also do the same for us (even if we’re a bit gassy). I want children to know it’s ok to feel jealous or angry when someone steals your favorite spot or toy or takes attention away from you, but that the benefits of companionship and friendship far outweigh the sacrifices required to share our lives. Sure, there may be some tail pulling at times, but the fun of chasing tails more than makes up for that!
Do you feel this book will resonate with families who don’t have pets in the home? Why or why not?
Jill Rosen: The “Ode to a Pug” books were written so that young readers can see themselves in the pug. Even if they have never known a dog or cat, they can relate to the pug’s feelings and situation. And the pug’s funny features and silly antics never fail to amuse and keep children engaged.
The artwork is one of the best things about the story—it’s so full of energy and humor. Tell us about how the artwork for the story was developed. How closely were the illustrations modelled on real life?
Stephanie Rhor: Pugs are so funny-looking, and their mannerisms are a brilliant inspiration for humor. Images by nature are still, but dogs (especially the little ones) are incredibly excitable and bubbly. I tried to retain some of the wonderfully goofy energy of pugs. Also, early in the character design process, Jill shares lots of fun and cute pictures of Phoebe. And there it was, Phoebe became the “muse” for “Ode to a Pug”.
What do you think are the greatest benefits for children of living with animals in the home?
Jill Rosen: I have to say that no matter how bad a day is, there is not one that goes by without a laugh or a smile brought about by something one of our pets does (and usually more than one). And no matter how bad you look, feel, or mess up, your pet loves you just the same. This unconditional love is a wonderful thing to grow up with. Pets bring joy to our lives and teach us patience and empathy. Children learn to care for those who can’t care for themselves and are rewarded by loyal companionship like no other. This is an invaluable life lesson that will stay with them as they go out into the world.
What advice do you have for readers who would like to introduce a new pet into the home?
Jill Rosen: Do research on how to introduce a new pet, take things slowly, and prepare for some initial chaos. Sometimes the pack forms quite quickly, but sometimes animals, like humans, can be skeptical. We’ve been lucky that our animals bonded with each other very quickly and they are now a playful, loving, and often wacky pack. But we took the right steps in the beginning to introduce our dogs slowly to acclimate to each other.
Now we ended up with six pets, which perhaps is a bit much for most people. What’s it like having six pets? To paraphrase the great comedian Jim Gaffigan, “Imagine you’re drowning, and someone throws you a pug.” It’s loud, there’s always a bark or a meow happening, and our vet and pet insurance provider know us on a first name basis. But we wouldn’t have it any other way!
What are some other favorite stories about pets that you would recommend to readers who have enjoyed THAT CAT!?
Jill Rosen: I have to say I grew up reading The Family Circus comics by Bil and Jeff Keane. The scenarios were hilarious, relatable, and I loved the inclusion of all the pets, each one uniquely endearing – Barfy, Sam, and Kittycat. I have no doubt anyone who appreciates THAT CAT! will also be a fan of these comics.
Another series that I know inspired me, were the Garfield books by Jim Davis. My favorite character was always Odie, Garfield’s goofy canine companion. I think pugs share many of Odie’s quirky qualities like being a happy, silly dog with big googly eyes, and a long tongue hanging out. Although all members of the family (including the human) tend to frustrate each other at times due to their very different needs and personalities, it was always clear that they loved each other, and in the end, they always had each other’s backs.
I know I’m probably sounding old again here, so I’d also like to recommend any of The Pigeon books by Mo Willems. Although not technically ‘pet’ books, the cartoon style, humor, and use of an animal (with big eyes again!) as the main character are in line with many of the qualities of the Ode to a Pug series.
What are you working on now – do you have any new books about Phoebe in the pipeline?
Jill Rosen: Absolutely! In November Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET! will be here! Pugs aren’t really scared of much (except vacuums, tinfoil, bells, any loud noise…), but there is one place that causes our comical canine to cower – the DREADED VET’S OFFICE! Readers will laugh along as Phoebe faces her biggest fear yet – THE VET. In particular, she tackles her fear of needles – something many children (and parents!) struggle with. Phoebe (and THAT CAT!) will also be back in 2026 with more Ode to a Pug adventures! Stay tuned…
I’m also excited to be working on a picture book entitled Where’s The Moose?, the first of a fun new series coming out in early 2026.
About the Book
Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT!
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustarted by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 3-6 | 22 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0692261-1-2
Publisher’s Book Summary: From the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug comes Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! – the first in a series of amusing, adorably illustrated stories starring the gassy little pug that started it all.
Hilarious pug Phoebe is back, but she is not alone. See what happens when an unexpected new member enters the household.
Follow the silly antics as our number one velcro dog wrestles with sharing the spotlight. Of course, with its classic curly tail and squishy face, only a pug can pull off being both naughty and irresistible.
Double the chaos. Double the fun. Another laugh-out-loud, read-aloud story perfect for children ages 2-8 and dog (and cat!) lovers of all ages.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Award-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 does not 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, who are both avid readers. Now, Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there!
About the Illustrator
Steph Rohr is a French Award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colourful. As a freelance illustrator and art director, Steph has been working in publishing and advertising in London.
Learn more about this series at odetoapug.com.
This interview—An Interview with Jill Rosen and Stephanie Rohr, Creators of the ‘Ode to a Pug’ Series—was conducted between Jill Rosen, Stephanie Rohr and Bianca Schulze.
