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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jill Rosen. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET!
Written by Jill Rosen Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr Ages: 4-6 | 21 Pages Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-0-0 Publisher’s Book Summary: Do you ever get the feeling that something terrible is about to happen? Where the panic takes over, your eyes widen and you just need to zoom? Well, today is that day for our beloved pug Phoebe as she faces her biggest fear yet – THE VET! Laugh along to another silly, heartfelt and sweetly illustrated story from the author of the award-winning “Ode to a Pug”. Pugs aren’t really scared of much (except vacuums, tinfoil, bells, any loud noise…), but there is one place that causes our comical canine to cower – the DREADED VET’S OFFICE! Join on an epic journey of courage for a little pug with a big heart and a belly full of gas. An amusing rhyming story ideal for children ages 2-8 and dog lovers of all ages. Author Interview
Where did you get the inspiration for Ode to a Pug?
Just over four years ago a little, wrinkly ball of kisses and gas entered our lives. We named her Phoebe and fell in love instantly. Now, perhaps we should have known she was part gremlin when we first saw her with her littermates. She was the only one off tearing apart a shoelace while the others were sleeping or playing sweetly with each other. Although that wouldn’t have stopped us from falling under her spell! As soon as she came home, our house entered a state of chaos that one might expect if a velociraptor suddenly appeared on your couch. On one hectic day I came home to get ready for an event and found Phoebe happily chewing on the only shoes I owned that matched the only dress I had for the evening. I looked into her wide, innocent puppy eyes, shoe dripping and dangling from her mouth, and said, “Phoebe! That's it! You’re going back!” I didn't mean it, of course. It was just one of those sarcastic lines you throw out there when you are in a state of pug frazzlement. What I didn't know was that my youngest son overheard me and the next morning asked, “Mommy, are you really going to give Phoebe away?” I felt absolutely terrible. But that's when I had the idea of “Ode to a Pug. “ I wanted to reassure children that sometimes, when both kids and parents are frustrated, we say things we don't mean. We might get upset or exasperated from time to time with family or friends, but the love never changes. So I wrote my ode to our perfectly imperfect pug Phoebe. What was your writing process like for this book? I follow a similar process for all my books. They usually start with an actual life experience and inspirational moment that sparks an emotion. For NOT the VET, it was a particularly anxious vet visit with a shivering Phoebe that got my mind going. Seeing Phoebe stressed reminded me of when I took my sons to the doctor when they were little. My eldest was particularly terrified of needles. A story about fear started brewing in my mind. Usually there are also some key rhyming lines or verses that pop in to my head, and I scribble them down in the center of a big board. I then start to jot down scenes that could surround the key climactic event I'm envisioning. Once I have a bunch of vignettes, I organize them into a time sequence or storyline. I then begin writing page copy and playing with and perfecting the humor, words and rhymes. This stage is the longest part of my process. This is also when I bring Steph, my illustrator partner, into the development process and we work together to amp up the laughs, drama, and heart of the story by perfecting the combination of text and illustrations. Then the story really starts to come to life! Seeing Steph's first sketches is always one of the most exciting and fun parts of the journey. I also have an amazing editor who has worked with us on all the “Ode to a Pug” books. She truly understands our style and vision for the series and always ensures the final output is of the highest quality. I have to say, a pug in your life is just an endless supply of lovable and laughable moments that inspire all sorts of funny stories for children and dog lovers of all ages, so the ideas never stop coming! Thank you, Phoebe!! What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? My absolute favorite part is making children laugh and find joy in reading. I also love creating stories children can connect with and use to discuss how to manage strong emotions that they may have. Kids, like pugs, are bursting with thoughts and feelings they often cannot control. With my books, I hope to give young readers a humorous escape that makes them feel good about themselves and know that, like Phoebe, they can handle whatever life throws at them! What are you working on now? I am excited to share that “Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog!” will be releasing this spring! Phoebe and a little friend from “NOT the VET!” (minus the worms) will be out to prove they can hang with the BIG dogs. It is sure to be a hit with any child who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign! What is your favorite book? I am a big fan of “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson. I would read this book over and over again with my boys until they were able to read it to me. Personally, I love everything by Dean Koontz. I always pick up one of his books every time I hop on a plane and read it from take off to landing. I'm a sucker for a good sci-fi thriller. Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win one of 10 hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET! One grand prize winner will receive all three titles in the Ode to a Pug series, signed by author Jill Rosen, plus three custom pug plushies!
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