Book Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT!
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The Children’s Book Review
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
What to Expect: Friendship, family, dogs, cats, difference and acceptance.
From the creators of Ode to a Pug comes this adorable and funny story featuring everyone’s favorite outgoing, feisty, and affectionate Pug, Phoebe.
Phoebe the Pug is used to ruling the roost in her home, but that all changes when THAT CAT arrives one day. The new member of the family is very different from Phoebe. She can be loving and affectionate, snuggling with Phoebe and licking her face—but she can turn in an instant, hissing and scratching.
She doesn’t like to chase cars or catch balls the way Phoebe does, but she does like climbing curtains, knocking things over, and shredding things with her claws—including Phoebe’s toys. She’s also stolen Phoebe’s favorite spots—her human’s lap and the window seat! All in all, Phoebe is relieved when, finally, THAT CAT gets put back into the cat carrier and taken away… but why does the house seem strangely lonely without her? Maybe there is a place for a feline friend in Phoebe’s heart, after all.
Told from a dog’s point-of-view, the story does a fantastic job of capturing the quirkiness of cats—and how difficult that quirkiness can be to get used to in your home! More, though, this is a story about making space for the differences of others in our lives and learning to love sharing our space and attention. The simple cartoon artwork is dynamic and irresistibly cute, bringing to life the antics described in the catchy rhyming text.
Ode to a Pug (THAT CAT!) is perfect for young cat and dog lovers alike, as it beautifully portrays the uniquely lovable personalities of these pets, making it a must-read for all animal enthusiasts.
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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 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!
Learn more about this series at odetoapug.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Ode to a Pug: That Cat! Learn more about getting a book review …
