The Basics

Title: Pig and Pug
Author: Laura Marchesani and Zenaides A. Medina Jr.
ISBN: 9780448483436
Copyright Date: 2015
Publisher: Penguin Group/Penguin Random House
Reader Brand: Penguin Young Readers
Level: Level 2 Progressing Reader
Series: N/A

Thoughts

Pig is the only pig on his farm. All the cows and chickens and sheep have friends to be with…but not Pig. That is until Pug arrives. All the other animals think that Pug is a pig. But can Pig and Pug learn to be friends?

First of all, I have to say how much I’m in love with the illustrations of this book. They are spot-on and so child friendly. The artist really uses the space in a perfect beginning reader. And Pig and Pug look just enough alike that it makes sense that the other animals think they are the same.

There are a lot of nicely built vocabulary opportunities and chances for readers to gain confidence as words are repeated. I felt like it was a fairly good balance; although the beginning of the book is more wordy which may turn off struggling readers or reluctant readers. I think the story is worth it though!

Penguin Young Readers books are leveled using Fountas and Pinnell and “Pig and Pug” is at an F level. (I really like that the books state this on the back on the cover — a good tip for librarians to remember if their patrons are looking for this specific leveling system!)

Overall, this is a recommended reader for all collections. I hope to see more of this happy duo soon!