Hello, friends! Our book for today is Thunder Pug, written by Kim Norman and illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi, a sweet follow-up to the duo’s Puddle Pug.

Percy the pug and Petunia the pig are pretty great pals. Sometimes they like to do the same thing, like play in puddles, leave trails in fields, or blow dandelion puffs together. And sometimes they like to do separate things, such as when Petunia goes off to compete at the county fair. When she returns with a spiffy blue ribbon, Percy is so proud! So are all the other animals on the farm; in fact, Petunia suddenly seems to be flooded with fans at all times, and Percy is getting less and less alone time with his friend. Feeling lonely, Percy comes across a comic book for Thunder Man, who helps people and wears something just as spiffy as a ribbon – a cape! Procuring a cape of his own, Percy sets out to help his fellow critter, providing assistance to creatures great and small. Still, while his heroics keep him busy, he misses his friend… but a plucky pink sidekick is ready to join him in his adventures!

Delightful! The story nicely handles a common hurdle to friendship: balancing time together and separate interests, plus learning to share friends with others. The story sets the stage for this nicely by showing how friends can have separate interests, and then expands to include separate friendships as well – it reminds young readers that the strongest friendships are those that allow both parties the freedom to try new things, meet new people, and find new passions, all while supporting and connecting with each other over the things they share. The sunny illustrations and charming characters do a great job of conveying moods – loneliness, excitement, contentment, etc. The length is great, and JJ loved it. A healthy and helpful lesson in being a good friend, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)