Review sponsored* by Lissa Webber
The Children’s Book Review | March 1, 2019
Pipsqueak the Puppy
Written by Lissa Webber
Illustrated by Tami Boyce
Age Range: 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Argonne Books LLC (October 16, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-0692182840
What to expect: Dogs, Siblings, Rhyme, Self-Discovery, and Friendship
Pipsqueak the Puppy is an endearing picture book about the runt of a puppy litter who learns that you do not have to be big and fast to win at things. The tale is inspired by author Lissa Webber’s own children and all proceeds from this book go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where her son received a life-saving surgery as a baby.
It’s spring, and Mama Ruff has just had 8 puppies. Big Rover is joyful and full of pride. Each of the eight puppies varies in size and has their own personality. The eighth and smallest puppy is given a name to counter her size; she is named after Bella, the first queen of Spain. However, the name that sticks turns out to be Pipsqueak. Feeling sad and sidelined from a ballgame of Keep Away with her siblings, Pipsqueak has a chance encounter with a squirrel who provides her with some trusty advice that leads to an empowering discovery: “When you are small, you must play smart—/that’s what sets you free.”
Because of the cadence and sounds that command ears to listen and make word connections, this rhyming picture book would lend itself well to a read-aloud session.
“The largest pup was Thoomas, who
was calm and so polite,
and next came naughty Horace,
clearly looking for a fight.”
Lissa Webber has also built some fun onomatopoeia into the language that young kids will certainly enjoy: ““They’re mooving,” said the cow…” and “What precious little neigh-bors, called the biggest horse….” Cheery faced dogs and bright digital illustrations with loads of calming green space fill the inviting pages, too.
Adults looking for a picture book with a message of self-empowerment for youngsters that could do with a little boost of encouragement will be sure to connect with this sweet tale.
Available Here
About the Author
Lissa Webber is constantly inspired by her children and her writing is no exception. Their love of reading and the natural world compelled her to write a story about someone with whom they could identify: a lovable puppy who is too small to do the things she wants to.
Lissa wishes she had listened to Pipsqueak’s message when she was choosing her own career. “I have always loved to write, and when I worked in finance my role on a deal team was usually to write the memorandum rather than crunch the numbers. I wish I had realized sooner how important it is to be true to yourself, to value and cultivate your own strengths.”
Lissa lives in Atlanta and in addition to writing loves painting, cooking, and spending time with her wonderful husband Jonathan, their exceptional children, and sweet puppy Ladybug (pictured).
Learn more: www.pipsqueakthepuppy.com
About the Illustrator
Tami Boyce, an illustrator and graphic designer with a fun and whimsical style, is based in Charleston, South Carolina.
“Holding a pencil in my hand has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I count myself as an extremely lucky individual because I have been able to make a career out of it. We all live in a very serious world, and I like to use my quirky style to remind us of the love, joy, and humor that is often overlooked around us.”
To see more of Tami’s work, visit tamiboyce.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. Lissa Webber sponsored* this non-biased review of “Pipsqueak the Puppy”. Learn more about getting a book review …
1 Comment
Hello Bianca, My name is Gillian V. Jaeger, excellent review. I enjoyed reading your review above and look forward to reading the book to my nephew. (Author: Your Heart is So Big)