Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas: Book Review

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Cecilia Johansson (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781925594034

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Tom is told that when he goes to stay with his Aunt Roz there’ll be a new friend for him to play with. Tom is excited, until he actually meets this potential new playmate…. Ellie, his Aunt’s pet pug! Tom is not happy. Does Ellie bite? Does Ellie snore? Does Ellie poop where she’s not supposed to? No, no and no. Ellie receives privileges that most pets don’t. Ellie does things most pets don’t. Ellie wears pyjamas, eats at cafés, wears hats and rides a skateboard. She is beyond spoilt and Tom is far from impressed, especially because Ellie gets all the attention wherever they go. Will they ever be friends?

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas is a cute picture book about a pet being treated like one of the family. It is a brightly illustrated book that includes a combination of single page images, double page spreads and vignettes. The simple lilac end papers beautifully sum up the indulged pooch’s life. This book is suitable for children aged 3-6. It would particularly appeal to dog lovers and any young families who’ve ever referred to their pet as a ‘fur baby’.

Trouble for Toby

Trouble for Toby by Janet Reid, illustrated by Amanda Francy (Wombat Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781925563351

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

Toby wants a pet more than anything. He isn’t fussy, almost anything will do, a dog, a rat or a hermit crab. His parent’s response to his request is always the same, “We’ll think about it. But only if you’re good at school.” And this is where Toby’s problem lies.

Toby finds it difficult to stay out of trouble. First, he leaves his friend Sam buried in the sandpit, then he knocks two girls off the playground equipment, there is the unfortunate accident at the flying fox and then the inquisitive spider at the tranquillity garden. It seems, no matter how hard Toby tries to stay out of trouble he ends up right in the centre of it, until one day, when his quick thinking and swift action saves Jenna from a snake bite.

Toby’s bravery is acknowledged and rewarded but best of all, his parents let him get a pet and he decides to choose a snake.

Trouble for Toby is a junior fiction chapter book for children of ages 6+ years. It is aimed at Australian audiences with Aussie references, and the story flows well from chapter to chapter. It is set primarily in the school and school yard with funny and entertaining adventures that children will be able to relate to and enjoy.