Virtual Book Tour Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG dog!

 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

MY REVIEW

That’s right - Phoebe the Pug is back for more hilarious fun! This time Phoebe and her friend the Pom are taking on the big dog’s side of the dog park.

Phoebe is beside herself with excitement about having a park day. She sees her friend the Pom as soon as they arrive and the two friends run off in the small dogs’ section to have some fun. But when they peek through the fence they see the big dogs and all the activities on their side of the park. There is a pond with a sandy shore and a waterfall. A ball pit. Pieces of agility course equipment. So, with typical Phoebe confidence, she leads her friend through the gate as a large dog exits.

As sometimes happens in life, the grass isn’t actually greener on the other side of the fence. Phoebe is knocked into the pond by a passing Retriever. When she and the Pom find a ball, it is taken by a Great Dane. It is a relief when their moms come and return them to the correct side of the park so they can play with their peers and wear themselves out with tug-of-war and other games. The illustrations capture all the zany humor and mishaps, including the "mountain of POO” left behind by the Great Dane.

For all those kids who dread the “You must be this tall to ride” signs at amusement parks and fairs, Phoebe’s desire to be seen as a big dog will ring very true. And the message that “moms love you no matter what size you are” is true for kids of all ages.

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. Th
rough 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.

Instagram: @odetoapug

Amazon Author Page

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.

Instagram: @stephdoespictures

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 Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

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!

This post is sponsored by Pug House Books. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Virtual Book Tour Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny

Written by Evelina Ruimy

Illustrated by Siski Kalla

Ages 4–8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-89138-745-4

Publisher's Book Summary: Meet a bright and curious bunny who loves to learn, read, and play with friends. But when one pup gets in the way, this little bunny discovers something important about kindness, courage, and staying true to who you are. This charming, rhyme-filled story takes young readers on a heartwarming journey about friendship, confidence, and what it really means to be “cool.” Through playful rhythm and an uplifting message, children will learn that kindness and being yourself are the greatest strengths of all. Perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom, this delightful tale encourages children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and believe in themselves.

“Wonderful for young readers, parents, and even educators who want to encourage empathy and positive behavior in everyday situations.” — Reader's Favorite

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Delicate pencil and watercolor illustrations bring the story of Hop the bunny to life as he deals with a potential bully at school.

Like  many youngsters Hop enjoys school because that is where his friends are and he likes the activities - reading, playing, etc. But when a new student, Ruff the puppy arrives, things change. Ruff tells Hop, “If you like school - you are not cool.” When her little bunny who loves school doesn’t want to go to class, Hop’s mother talks to him about what has changed. She gives him great advice and says, “their words reflect on them and not on you.” 

Sometimes kids instinctively know that what a mean classmate says to them is not true, but they don’t know how to respond. “Next time you meet someone who’s rude, just say, ‘No, thank you, I am good.’” is how Hop’s mother suggests he answer Ruff. When he does so, suddenly Ruff feels uncool because his put-down didn’t work. Hop goes a step further and invites Ruff to meet his friends and really become part of the class.

The woodland setting and the various small animals attending school together fill the images with warmth and camaraderie. They read, paint, play on the swings, and other things that happen every day in elementary and preschools. Youngsters will easily be able to identify with these furry students.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evelina Ruimy lives in the leafy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two daughters, Scarlett and Ellie Rose. An avid puzzle-solver, cross-stitcher, and lifelong writer, Evelina finds her greatest joy in motherhood, nurturing her girls into kind, curious, and confident young women.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny was inspired by moments from her own life—small truths and gentle lessons she hopes will guide not only her daughters, but children everywhere, toward lives filled with happiness, empathy, and mindfulness.

To learn more, visit hopstales.com.

Instagram: @hopstalesbooks

TikTok: @hopstalesbooks

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Life is What it’s Called Author Interview with Evelina Ruimy

Thursday, May 7, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Friday, May 8, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Monday, May 11, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @books.with.courtney Instagram Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Thursday, May 14, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Friday, May 15, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Monday, May 18, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Guest Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Evelina Ruimy

Thursday, May 21, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Friday, May 22, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Monday, May 25, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 One More Exclamation Author Interview with Evelina Ruimy

Thursday, May 28, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

This post is sponsored by Evelina Ruimy. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Virtual Book Tour Tall As the Sun

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tall as the Sun

Written by Stephanie Henson

Illustrated by Yasmin Akhtar

Ages: 0–12 | 30 Pages

Publisher: Watchful Wizard Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-969819-01-8

Publisher's Book Summary: Tall as the Sun is a heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad's shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities. From soaring with seagulls to reaching the top of sandcastles, each page brings a new adventure.

Praise: "It's easy to picture grandparents or parents reading this book to a child before bed as they drift off to dream of sunny beaches, lulled by the rhythmic sound of ocean waves." —Readers' Favorite (5 Stars)

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

The young narrator describes all the sights she sees perched on her father’s shoulders as they walk along the seashore. With each page turn her perspective shifts and she feels as if she is growing taller and taller, looking down at the people on the beach and their various activities. She notices kids building sandcastles, families on picnic blankets, and it seems to her that she is as tall as the lifeguard tower. By the time a plane pulling a banner passes overhead she imagines, “I can now fly like an airplane, swirling and whirling through baby blue skies.”

Each succeeding illustration shows the father-daughter duo a bit taller and the people around them a bit smaller to accompany the girl’s changing perspective. The language captures the playful feeling as she thinks about how she could “magically soar with the seagulls” or “twirl through the air like a parasail.” When they return home and she is tucked into bed for the night her last thought is, “Can’t wait for tomorrow when we can do it all again.” 

With its soft watercolor palette and the repetitive lines at the end of each spread, this book makes the perfect bedtime story. The soft blues of the sky and water, warm golden sand, and wispy white clouds make a soothing backdrop to the tale of a fun day at the beach.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Henson lives with her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with roots in Central New Jersey. She holds a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University, and spends her summers in Ocean City, NJ. An active member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter), Stephanie was a 2024 SCBWI Virtual Conference Scholarship winner, and her work has been featured in both print and online publications.

She is the author of the children's poetry collection In the Right Lane (a #1 New Release in Children's Poetry) and the picture book No School, My Rules! (a #1 New Release in Children's School & Education Books and a Tielmour Press best-seller). Tall as the Sun is her newest picture book, releasing with Watchful Wizard Publishing in May 2026.

Beyond her literary pursuits, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for underrepresented creators living with chronic illness, drawing on her own experience with autoimmune conditions. When she's not writing, she's reading, catching a show, watching Netflix, admiring sunflowers, cheering on sports, or sipping coffee.

To learn more, visit stephaniehensonbooks.com.

Instagram: @stephahenson

X: @stepha_henson

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 7, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 8, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 11, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Guest Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 14, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 15, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 18, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 21, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 22, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 25, 2026 @MysteryLFL Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Interview with Stephanie Henson

Thursday, May 28, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 29, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

This post is sponsored by Stephanie Henson. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.