Tugg and Teeny are a gorilla and a monkey — jungle BFFs. They remind me a bit of Frog and Toad, or perhaps Bert and Ernie, with a touch less neurosis. These three stories by J. Patrick Lewis are all about how Tugg and Teeny, along with their friend Violet the Warthog and some other jungle friends, support each other in friendship.
In addition to the theme of friendship, these stories deal with Teeny’s pursuit of her dreams — to play music, to share her art, and to write a poem. I think that these themes are wonderful for young kids who are always being asked to try new things. It’s good reinforcement that it’s not always easy, but they should follow their heart’s desires.
And who better to learn lessons from than some adorable jungle creatures? Tugg and Teeny and Violet are just darn cute. Each page features Christopher Denise’s full-color illustrations that really help bring these characters to life.
Tugg and Teeny is the first book in the “I Am a Reader” series (and I’m glad that there are more coming in May and September). It’s one of those “just right” readers for young independent readers.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I never know how to interpret “Ready to Read” or “Early Reader,” and it seems it varies widely from book to book. I will say that this book is for a child who is ready to read — real books. It’s a short book made up of three different stories, but they are not simple four or five word sentences. You will find some challenging words like fabulous, beautiful, and opinion, gorgeous, magical and congratulate. I would say that someone reading at a 2nd grade level would be able to handle it (perhaps with some help), and in fact, the cover of the book clearly tags it “Grades 2 – 3.” I like that these are fully formed stories, with thoughtful themes as I mentioned above.
One of the things that I adore about Sleeping Bear Press titles (such as Wholey Cow, linked to my review) is that they usually offer some sort of additional content online. Tugg and Teeny is no different. The website has some activity pages and some tips on working with emergent and newly proficient readers.
The giveaway is closed.
We have THREE copies to give away (U.S. addresses only please). If you’d like your child to read Tugg and Teeny, or you’d like to read it to your emerging reader, then leave a comment here. We’ll announce the winners on March 16.
We have so many winners to announce today:
- The winners of the picture book Where’s Walrus are #8 Stephanie, #19 Maureen Timerman, and #39 Natalia.
- The winner of Enough About Love is #3 Corinne.
- The winners of The Way of the Dragon are #12 Natalia and #21 Linda Henderson.
- The winner of the audiobook is #17 Meg, who gets The First Grave on the Right.
Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter.
Jennifer Donovan wonders if there’s anything sweeter than hearing your own child read to you? She ponders other mysteries of motherhood at her blog Snapshot.
Linda Henderson says
Such a cute cover. My granddaughter would love this one.
seriousreader at live dot com
Annette W says
It sounds great! It would also help teach the difference between the monkey and gorilla!
Ginny Bryant says
This looks like a good book for my son that hates to read. I have a hard time finding books like this for a cheep price. He had reading issues and It’s hard to find ones that he can understand.
Jennifer says
Ginny–I also noticed that the price is very cheap — around $4, I think. This book has enough of a story that even a 3rd or 4th grader would probably be interested.
Alison S. says
My son loves to read and love animals. This book looks like one that he would really enjoy.
Vilmarys says
I think my daughter would really enjoy reading this. The cover art is really cute.
Jennifer says
Wait until you see the pictures inside. Just gorgeous!
Amy says
Oh this would be wonderful to win since the day you announce the winners is my daughters birthday! 🙂
Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity! 🙂
Beth C says
So cute! Love to be entered.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Carol M says
My grandson would love this! He is just now learning how to read.Thank you!
Linda Kish says
This would be a great addition to my DIL’s niece’s little library.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Jessica T says
My kids would love this!
Anne says
Sounds really cute! I love early readers that have some actual content to them!
Debbie Welchert says
My grandchildren would just love this book.
Bin says
Sounds great!! I’ve love to read it to the boys.
Jennifer says
Bin–
You won! Please reply to this email with your shipping address.
Jennifer
Elaine says
Thanks for pointing me in the direction of this book. My kids would love it.
John says
Cute cover!
Natalia says
I would like to win this book for my son.
Staci A says
It sounds like a book my little reader would love!
Jennifer says
Staci–
You won this Tugg and Teeny book. Please reply to this email with your shipping address.
Jennifer
Melissa P. says
This book looks so cute.
rod says
Sounds great..I’d love it!
Megan says
I’d love this book for my daughter!
mearley1979 at gmail dot com
Martha says
I am always looking for good beginning readers! This looks interesting!
melissa n says
so cute! my neiece would love it!
Jennifer says
Melissa–
You won! Please reply to this email with the address you want it shipped.
Jennifer
debi jackson says
Grant would love this
nan says
this would be great for my son
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net