5 Minutes For Books

Tugg and Teeny

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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.

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.The giveaway is closed.

We have so many winners to announce today:

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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.

Comments

  1. Such a cute cover. My granddaughter would love this one.

    seriousreader at live dot com

  3. 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.

    • 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.

  4. My son loves to read and love animals. This book looks like one that he would really enjoy.

  5. I think my daughter would really enjoy reading this. The cover art is really cute.

  6. Oh this would be wonderful to win since the day you announce the winners is my daughters birthday! 🙂

    Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity! 🙂

  9. This would be a great addition to my DIL’s niece’s little library.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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