Two's a Crowd (Pug Pals #1)

A pug named Sunny has to get used to an exuberant new sister, a pug named Rosy, in debut author-illustrator Ahn's first book in the Pug Pals series. Well-meaning Rosy is full of questions and energy, plays havoc with Sunny's steady routine (which includes morning yoga), chews on her favorite "stuffies," and generally pesters Sunny at every opportunity. Ahn's clean, bold b&w cartoons (not all seen by PW) revel in Sunny's growing anger--until an incident involving Sunny's beloved "Mr. Bunny" brings the two pugs together. The second half of the book dives into action-adventure territory as the pugs don ninja costumes and try to track down Mr. Bunny in the outside world. It's a breezy and entertaining story of sibling rivalry turned revelry. Ages 7-10. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong. (Jan.)

Gr 1-3--Sunny the pug loves her human, routine, and orange bunny toy, Mr. Bunny. But one morning everything seems a little out of balance. No amount of yoga or neighborhood surveillance calms her nerves, so she pulls out Mr. Bunny for a good chewing to relax. Soon, keys are heard at the door and in bursts a furry ball of energy. Sunny knows she must protect her home. Just as she is about to make her stand against this intruder, her human introduces the ball of energy as Rosy--Sunny's new sister. Sunny is stunned. How can this be? Sunny's routine disappears overnight, her ears get chewed by Rosy, her legs get chewed by Rosy, and she is really not happy when the newcomer finds Mr. Bunny and begins to chew. A tussle follows, Mr. Bunny falls from the window, and then Rosy sets off to look for Mr. Bunny. Sunny must find and bring her new sister back home. Ahn has taken her love of all things pug and has created a delightful duo. This is a charming beginning chapter book with many illustrations that will appeal to pug-loving young readers. VERDICT A worthy contribution to any collection that needs more beginning chapter books.--Lisa Nabel, Tacoma Public Library