Tuggie The Patriot Pup Book Series Review and Giveaway

Back in April, I attended a wonderful event hosted by the Association of Rhode Island Authors, at the Warwick Public Library here in Rhode Island. I, along with my friend (the fearless leader of my Writer’s Group) Linda, headed out to the Author’s Expo which featured over 35 local Ocean State authors. I conversed with many of the authors there, asked questions, gathered information and just enjoyed the day. To say I am completely in my element chatting with people of every persuasion is like saying dolphins are at home in the ocean. But in a room full of published authors? Oh, call me Flipper and film me! I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this event, and had hoped to write something about it sooner. But, here it is September, and I am just getting to sharing the goodness; such is my life lately.

One of the authors I spoke with offered me two of her books to read, review and share as I wished. Her name was Lauren Kelley and she has written a series of very cute and useful children’s books, ideal for home-school, classroom, enrichment and enjoyment.  I asked my dear friend, Sam, who happens to home-school six littles, to read them and write a review. I also asked her to share the books with her tribe so we could get input from the age group that the books are geared toward.

I thought the books were beautifully done and loved the illustrations. I like the statement made in an endorsement for the book by another author, who writes History curriculum, which states this series is for “…students of all ages.”

TUGGIE; The Patriot Pup Series
Story by Lauren E. Kelley
Illustrations by Rick Shiers

Review by Sam Short – Homeschool Mom Extraordinaire and overall fabulous woman

Tuggie and his Mum make a leap of faith onto a boat destined for the “New” America from England. His adventures begin as he befriends a Native pup, Half Moon, upon arriving in RI. In the first book, tensions flare between those loyal to the king and those loyal to the colonies, climaxing with the burning of the HMS Gaspee. My son enjoyed this book so much he described it as “wonderful”, which for him exemplifies his enthusiasm. Typical of many boys his age, I usually have to fish for any adjective beyond “good”. He was a bit distressed when Half Moon lost an eye during the boat raid, although it didn’t go into enough detail to concern me. In the next book I read of the series, “The War of 1812”, with his parents reunited, Tuggie sets off to Washington DC and ends up saving President Madison’s Yorkie from the famous white house fire. My oldest daughter and I struggled a bit with the lack of fluidity (chapters are short with time passing between) and we both agreed that Dolly Madison was somewhat misrepresented. My son liked the action in these books while the very tame love story between the pups in the second was not lost on my daughters. These beautifully illustrated books are sprinkled with historical facts and will appeal to many 7-10 year olds. The “painterly” approach to the illustrations is perfection. “Tuggie, The Patriot Pup” is well suited as an introduction to the remarkable study of US history.

As I like to say (when it suits me), better late than never, so thanks Lauren for putting these beautiful books in my hands and trusting that this blogging chick might eventually follow through, and thanks to Sam, and the littles: Anne, Drew, Elle, Claire, Ruth and William (who I am not sure actually had his toddler hands on the book, but always receives an honorable mention regardless).

Be sure and enter for your chance to win these books Below!

See Tuggie’s Books

Visit Tuggie’s website

Contest is closed. Congratulations Barbara London! 

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