Pugs of the Frozen North by Reeve and McIntyre

Winter came in the night, like a white sheet laid over the world. It came so cold and so fast that the waves of the ocean froze as they rolled. The good ship Lucky Star froze with them, trapped tight in the suddenly solid sea.

Published by Oxford University Press in September 2015

Pages - 211

Summary

The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart's desire. Shen and Sika can't resist the chance to win, but competition is fierce. The path to victory is littered with snow trolls, sea monsters, and a gang of particularly hungry yetis. But Shen and Sika have something the other contestants don't have. Actually, they have 66 other things; pugs to be exact. That's a 264 paw-powered sled. Let the race begin! 

*****

This book is delightfully bizarre! I'm completely convinced that sixty-four pugs could pull a sled in a race to meet the Snowfather. In fact, I would argue with anyone that doubted it.

From the moment the sea freezes over, I was wrapped up in this story. All the characters are quirky and unique. How could you not love Mitzi Von Primm with her newly grown Yeti fur or Helga Hammerfest and her beard?

The story is mind blowingly original. The Yeti Noodle Bar was the zaniest part of the book and yet so utterly believable. 

Sensitive situations were made extremely child friendly and I imagine children getting comfort from the way the story climaxes. 

I honestly don't know what I loved best - the illustrations or the words. They both work so beautifully together. I think someone should capture the imagination of Reeve and McIntyre and bottle it. It would sell for a thousands on Ebay. When I'm plotting in the future, I shall ponder over the question - what would Reeve and McIntyre do in this situation?  

I can see why these books are such a hit with the kids. They take situations further than extreme and make them down right hilarious. I would say it would suit the more confident reader but it would also be a brilliant book for parents and children to share together. 

What a super talented team.

Pooch Parlour: V.I.P. (Very Important Pup!) by Katy Cannon

"Lulu, we're here!" Abi bounced on her toes as she looked up at the powder-blue door with the words "Pooch Parlour" curling above it in silver letters. "We're really here!"

At her side, Lulu the bichon frise beat her fluffy white tail excitedly against the pavement.

Published by Stripes in March 2014

Pages - 112

Summary from Stripes 

V.I.P. (Very Important Pup!) is the first book in Pooch Parlour, a glitzy new series for girls who love dogs and adore giving them the luxuries every girl’s best friend deserves, written by Katy Cannon. Pooch Parlour is not just any grooming parlour - it’s doggy heaven! It’s the perfect place for pet pampering and the dedicated team of groomers give each dog the star treatment they deserve.

Abi is over the moon to be spending the summer helping out at Pooch Parlour, especially as she'll be taking Lulu, her fluffy pet Bichon Frisé. She can’t believe her luck when glamorous actress, Daisy Lane, and her adorable Pomeranian Jade appear at the parlour on her first day. Can she impress them with the Pooch Parlour pampering treatments? Daisy and Jade want to sparkle!

Full of adorable animals, celebrity customers and dressing up, the glamorous world of Pooch Parlour is sure to delight young girls who love Rainbow Magic, Secret Kingdom and other sweet and sparkly reads.

*****

Reviewed by Liss Norton

This book will be a real hit with dog-loving girls aged between six and eight. If they've got stars in their eyes and a passion for fashion, then even better! 

Abi, the main character, is an ordinary girl with an ordinary girl's hopes and fears and a passion for dogs. Helping out at Pooch Parlour is a dream come true for her, especially when she gets to meet two film stars, one canine and one human, ride in a stretched limo and visit the TV studios. There are a few tense moments, when nervy Jade runs off and causes mayhem during the filming of a game show, but Abi manages to sort everything out in time for the dog star's big moment in front of the cameras. 

There are plenty of black-and-white line drawings throughout the book and the shiny pink cover, showing a cute Pomeranian in a beret, will appeal to young readers. The story is full of dazzling doggy costumes and beauty treatments and there is a lot of emphasis on the relationships between dogs and their owners. An exciting start to what promises to be a popular new series!