Laura James (text), Eglantine Ceulemans (illus.), Captain Pug (Pug #1), Bloomsbury/Allen & Unwin, June 2016, 128pp., $12.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9781408866368
Young, newly independent readers will delight in the faced-paced action of this cute comedy caper. Lady Miranda is a little girl with a housekeeper called Wendy and two Running Footman who accompany her on excursions and carry her around in a sedan chair. Miranda’s constant companion is her beloved pet, Pug. Pug doesn’t talk, but through the narrative we hear his thoughts and follow him along on his adventures.
The first title in this adorable new series has a nautical theme, and the action is brought to life by delightful illustrations that evoke sunny days and summer holidays. When Miranda is invited to a lakeside party, she decides to dress Pug in a sailor suit, then declares that he will become a captain. But poor Pug has a fear of water, and what follows is a fun and disaster-filled seafaring adventure that takes Pug from a row boat, onto a dinghy and eventually a cruise liner. There’s plenty of humour and chaos as Pug is swept from one catastrophe to another, all the while overcoming his fear of water and learning to be a real Captain.
I adore first chapter books featuring cute, colourful illustrations and Captain Pug is a wonderful example. Visually appealing with large, vibrant illustrations in blues and oranges, paired with easy-to-read and well spaced text, this delightful series will appeal to young independent readers scanning the bookshelf for their next read.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series, Cowboy Pug.
Reviewed by Melinda Allan