Tag Archives: Sophie Corrigan

Children’s Corner — Pugtato, Let’s Be Best Spuddies

21 Apr

Pugtato is back in a new board book that will appeal to the littlest of readers. Pugtato, Let’s Be Best Spuddies is as cute as the first book in the series with all the vegetable critters showing how to be friends. My granddaughter loved the original Pugtato book, but let’s be honest, at 16 months old she is a bit rough on standard children’s books. Besides engaging her with colorful illustrations and easy to understand text, she can throw it, stand on it, and chew on it to her heart’s content! I know this book will become a favorite. I can’t wait to give it to her!

Recommended!

Audience: toddlers to preschoolers

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

What does it mean to be a best spuddy? Spend the day with Pugtato and his very best spuddies and find out! A best spuddy likes to play and listen, share, and give a helping hand. Spend time with Pugtato and his very best spuddies as they show us exactly how to be a best spuddy too.

Pugtato, Let’s Be Best Spuddies:

  • Features adorable and silly illustrations by Sophie Corrigan
  • Shows the youngest readers ages 0-4 how to be a good friend
  • Written in delightful, giggle-inducing rhyming text
  • Is great for discussions and story times focusing on friendship, sharing and helping others

Book Review: Pugtato Finds A Thing

5 Aug

Enchanting illustrations. Giggle-inducing text. Unique and loveable characters. Join Pugtato and his cute and quirky pack of pals in this heartwarming picture book that celebrates the power of friendship, compassion, and believing in your own unique gifts. 

When Pugtato’s simple, quiet life is disrupted after he digs up a strange object in his garden, he enlists his best “spuddies” to help (they are more clever than he is, after all). Tweetroot is certain it’s a new egg for her nest. Tomatoad is quite sure it’s a toy just for him. And Purrsnip simply won’t stop scratching it! Luckily, Pugtato has another very special spuddy to ask . . . .

Sophie Corrigan is a freelance illustrator and authour from Lancashire, UK. She graduated from University of Central Lancashire in 2013 with a first class degree in Illustration, and recieved a Distinction in her Masters degree in Children’s Book Illustration from the same university. In 2017, her children’s picture book I’m a Little Monkey was Highly Commended in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Book Illustration, and she has since worked with publishers such as Bloomsbury, Chronicle Books and Wicked Cow.

Sophie has produced illustration work for Hallmark Cards, Papier, Moonpig, Ohh Deer, Jellycat and Boomf, and her work has been stocked by John Lewis, Paperchase, Urban Outfitters, Sainsbury’s, Clinton Cards, Hot Topic, Topshop, Tesco, The Range, Ryman Stationery, Calendar Club, SOMA Gallery, Yard Gallery, ASOS and the RSPCA shop.

When not illustrating and maintaining her online art shops, Sophie spends the spare time she has going to shows, watching nature programmes, eating vegtarian food, hanging out with her pet cockatiels, and occasionally crafting cute things from wool and clay.

 

My Impressions:

Pugtato Finds A Thing is a quirky and cute book — a delight for kids of all ages. The rhyming story follows Pugato, a charming character that is part pug dog and potato, as he searches for the answer to the mysterious thing he has dug from his garden. He asks all his friends, including Purrsnip, Colliflower, and Croccoli, to help him puzzle out what he has found. I thought the combination of vegetables and animals was very original, and I can’t help but imagine a child’s eager turning of the pages to discover what fantastical creature awaits them and probably coming up with combos of their own! The whimsical illustrations complete the fun. Each character’s individuality is emphasized, and in the end Pugtato discovers the key to who his newest friend is. I have a young niece who is going to love this book. Cannot wait to share it with her.

Recommended.

Audience: preschoolers to young elementary-aged children.

(Thanks to Zonderkids for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)