Chick 'n' Pug by Jennifer Sattler

Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN: 978 1 4088 1373 7
Recommended for ages 4 and above. Chick, the adventure-reading member of the coop, is desperate to break away from the humdrum existence of the farm and experience adventure first hand. On his journey, he meets a 'real-life Wonder Pug'. Pug reveals early on that, he is 'A Pug', but one who shares few similarities with the hero of Chick's book. Whilst he waits for the pug's adventurous nature to shine through, Chick figures maybe he could help out when a cat enters their territory. Thus is a hero born!
As stated in the blurb, 'This is a funny, heartwarming story of misplaced hero worship - and the beginning of a wonderful friendship'. Accompanied by painted illustrations which depict two totally endearing characters, the text is sparse but implies far more. In a style similar to that of Lynley Dodd, the illustrator has shown only the legs of the human, thereby maintaining the focus on the animal characters, and injecting humour as the uncomplaining, compliant pug is dressed by its owner. This would not only make a delightful story to read to very young children, but could be used with older children to discuss friendship, respecting the differences of others and such personal attributes as risk taking, curiosity, and the desire to try new things.
Jo Schenkel