Captain Pug the dog who sailed the seas by Laura James

Ill. by Eglantine Ceulmanns. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408866368
(Age: 5-7) Recommended. A bright, bold beginning chapter book just right for the young reader who loves animals, Captain Pug the dog who sailed the seas introduces a jam-tart loving, sailor suit wearing pug dog owned by Lady Miranda. He prefers a life of luxury and his favourite breakfast tarts cooked and delivered by Wendy the maid. Lady Miranda has two footmen as well who carry her and her pampered pooch everywhere in a sedan chair. She has an extensive wardrobe with matching outfits for her pampered pet. For her birthday outing, Miranda's day involves a trip to the lake and a ride on the pedallo boats, however pug is afraid of the water.
Dressed up in a smart sailor suit and a blue captain's hat, Pug is a rather reluctant participant in the outing. While Lady Miranda and the footmen dive into the lake to rescue some children, Pug follows his nose and slips inside an abandoned picnic hamper, this leads to a big adventure for the little dog, first aboard the tourist bus, then on a racing scull and even on an ocean liner. Meanwhile poor Lady Miranda and her footman are frantically looking for her little lost dog.
Pug's antics are funny and engaging and Eglantine Ceulmanns' whimsical cartoons certainly bring these characters to life. The stylish use of bold orange and blue duotone illustrations, make this chapter book visually appealing. Captain Pug the dog who sailed the seas is just right to build a young reader's confidence or as a story to be shared as a class or bedtime story. What mischief can Pug and lady Miranda discover next in CowboyPug?
Recommended for 5-7 year olds
Rhyllis Bignell