Book Review: ‘Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!’ by Jill Rosen PLUS A Giveaway! #OdeToAPug
This post is sponsored by Pug House Books. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2
Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Bookshop.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jill Rosen is an award-winning, bestselling author and career marketer and advertiser. She lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband—so she doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration. Through her brand management work, Jill’s appreciation for powerful writing and artistic design only grew. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in mental health and infertility. Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers.
To learn more, visit www.odetoapug.com.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Steph Rohr is a French award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance illustrator and art director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.
MY REVIEW
A Heartwarming Read for Dog Lovers: Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
There are some books that simply make you smile from the very first page, and Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! is absolutely one of them. As someone whose very first dog was a Pug, this story holds an especially special place in my heart. Pugs have such huge personalities wrapped up in their tiny bodies, and this book captures that lovable spirit perfectly.
From the moment I started reading, I found myself completely charmed by the playful energy and warmth woven throughout the story. The main character’s determination to prove that being small does not mean being any less “big” is both adorable and uplifting. It reminded me so much of my own Pug, who always acted like the king of the house and filled our home with endless love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
One of my favorite parts of this book are the gorgeous illustrations. Each and every page feels vibrant, expressive, and full of life. The artwork beautifully complements the personality of the story and makes it such a joy to sit down and read again and again with the kiddos. You can truly feel the love and care poured into every detail.
I also absolutely adore the rhyming throughout the book. Jill Rosen has such a wonderful way of creating stories that flow naturally and that are a total blast to read aloud for both adults and kids alike. The rhythm makes the story engaging for children, but honestly, it is just as enjoyable for adults too. I found myself smiling the entire time I read because the rhymes bring such a playful and comforting energy to the pages.
What I love most about this book is how it celebrates confidence, individuality, and the idea that your heart can be much bigger than your size. It is sweet, funny, uplifting, and filled with the kind of warmth that stays with you long after the final page.
If you’re a dog lover… especially a Pug lover… this is a book that deserves a spot on your child’s book shelf. It’s the kind of story that feels like a cozy hug and reminds us why we fall in love with dogs in the first place. I truly cannot recommend it enough and have read other books in this series and they’re equally wonderful! Check them out today!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Tour Kick-Off for Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Friday, May 22, 2026
Me Two Books
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Monday, May 25, 2026
The Starlit Path
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Fairview Review
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Un Viaje en Libro
Book Activity for Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Friday, May 29, 2026
Deliciously Savvy
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Monday, June 1, 2026
Lisa’s Reading
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Country Mamas With Kids
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
@bored_military_wife
Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Confessions of a Book Addict
Book Spotlight on Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Friday, June 5, 2026
@books.with.courtney
Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Monday, June 8, 2026
One More Exclamation
Author Interview with Jill Rosen
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Little Free Library Mystery Network
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Wednesday, June 10, 2026
@avainbookland
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Thursday, June 11, 2026
@meghenslittlelibrary
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Friday, June 12, 2026
Mrs. Makes Reading Fun
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Monday, June 15, 2026
@nissa_the.bookworm
Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Book Zone Reviews
Author Interview with Jill Rosen
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Cover Lover Book Review
Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY!
Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of 5 hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! by Jill Rosen. One grand prize winner will receive author-signed hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! and the original Ode to a Pug, plus two custom pug plushies and two die-cut stickers.
Click Through HERE or The IMAGE Below For Your Chance To Win!
15 Comments
JILL ROSEN
Thank you so much for taking the time to review and share! :)Jill & Phoebe
Beth Pierce
Of course, a dog book this cute would be about the cutest of all breeds. I absolutely love this!
Claire Mac
Aw, you can tell this is a good one right from the cover! Although I know you shouldn’t judge a book by that! Haha. This sounds great though. I have a 7yo & a 4yo who would both love this I’m sure!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Yeah Lifestyle
We love children’s books! A friend of mine recently had one published so I know what a big deal it is to review and share. Sounds fab!
Rhian
Looks like such a lovely book, and even as someone who hasn’t had a dog before you can’t help but love a pug. Definitely one to add to the list when my little one is a bit older x
LisaLisa
Sounds like such a fun and heartwarming read! The message about confidence and embracing who you are is wonderful for young readers, and those illustrations look absolutely adorable. As a dog lover, I can definitely see why this story would be a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Karen
I love that the book is light hearted and it’s my favorite topic in the world, dogs….I will check it out for sure. Thank you so much.
Kira Kira
Oh this is such a cute story and how adorable is the little plushy . My youngest loves dog!
Haridas s
I am hearing about this book Ode to a Pug for the first time but it sounds like a wonderful book for young kids. Thank you so much for the recommendation.
jupiterhadley
What an adorable little book! I love pugs and think the artwork here is fantastic.
Mahy
Thank you for sharing it! I have already read an article about the same illustrator btw, and was stunned with all her works. What a delight!
Terri L Beavers
What a sweet book. I’d love to read it to my grand daughter. Her mom had a pug when she was growing up so it would be a good topic of conversation to have as well.
A Nation of Moms
That’s a cute book! I love pugs and this sounds adorable. It was fun to hear about this book, I know a lot of kids who would love this.
Amber
This looks like the cutest book. My daughter has always loved pugs. I need to enter the giveaway!
Haridas s
This book sounds pretty interesting and I am sure that young kids will love it. I must pick it up.