A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas

September 15, 2014
It’s Christmas, and Pug, in his third picture book with his energetic avian friend Chick, has been forced into a warm red-and-white suit. “I’m supposed to look like Santa Claus,” he explains to Chick. “He brings presents and spreads joy to everyone at Christmas. And... he has a large tummy.” Thrilled with the prospect of spreading holiday joy, Chick appoints himself elf to Pug’s Santa. The two find unsuspecting targets in need of cheering up—whether they want it or not—including “the Dude,” the slobbery dog from their second book, and an “ordinary citizen” squirrel grumpily stockpiling nuts. Once again, the odd couple dynamic between these two friends drives the story, and Sattler’s feathery acrylic illustrations comically exploit the gulf between Chick’s permanently energetic state and Pug’s more laconic nature. Ages 3–6. Agent: Anna Olswanger, Liza Dawson Associates.

September 1, 2014
Lethargic Pug dresses like Santa to celebrate Christmas with his best friend, energetic little Chick, in their third outing together. Though Pug is dressed in a Santa suit and hat, he can't summon much enthusiasm for the holiday. Chick, on the other hand, bounces up and down with excitement, declaring that Santa must be a superhero with a sidekick. Inventive Chick swipes a snowman's green stocking cap in order to dress up as one of Santa's elves and drags Pug along to try to have a Christmas adventure as superheroes. They give a snowball to a big, shaggy dog, put a jingle-bell necklace on their cranky neighbor cat and assist a squirrel in his acorn-gathering efforts. To pretend to return to the North Pole, they use a snow shovel as a makeshift sled, sliding down a huge hill and catching air. The final page shows Pug and Chick silhouetted against a full moon, appearing to fly, with three children looking out their window, pointing at Santa. Unfortunately, though Chick is a chipper, enjoyable character, Pug is something of a dud who would rather nap than participate in an interesting plot. Illustrations in acrylics and colored pencil are amusing in their portrayal of Chick's antics, especially his comical expressions. Pug needs to retire to the land of unmotivated characters, and Chick deserves his own show next time. (Picture book. 4-8)

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October 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-Dressed as Santa, Pug the dog explains to his friend Chick what Santa does. Chick dresses as an elf and the two friends try to spread a little Christmas joy, whether the receivers like it or not. After some successful and not-so-successful attempts, they accidentally and unknowingly bring holiday cheer to three children on Christmas Eve. The third in a series about this lovable duo, this is a simple, silly story with humorous full-color cartoon illustrations and a nice little surprise at the end. A good comforting read-aloud for small groups, one-on-one, and bedtime.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

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