UH-OH, HUGO!

The creators of the Tiny T. Rex books introduce a new—and equally endearing—character.

Hugo the pug starts his day with a yawn and a stretch and loving ear scritches from his pale-skinned, blond young human. Our intrepid pair are ready for adventure. The child dons a backpack (with a bone for Hugo), and they head out to greet their friends Little Whiskers (a cat), Birdie, and Snail. Hugo’s barks scare Little Whiskers...sorry! Hugo hears a buzzing noise and runs after a bee (chasing’s fun). Uh-oh! An entire swarm chases him (“Hide, Hugo, hide!”)—and stings his nose. Ouch! Hugo finds a stick that turns out to be a snake. The next “stick” he finds is a skunk, who sprays him (a stinky green cloud follows him the rest of the day). Hugo finally finds a real stick, but it doesn’t last long as he chews it to bits. After a run through a field, a roll down a hill, and a splash in the mud, the day ends with a bath, some cuddles, and bedtime. Stutzman’s sweetly encouraging narration guides Hugo through low-stakes ups and downs; despite a few setbacks, this is an idyllic outing. Rendered with a simplicity ideal for the toddler set, Fleck’s illustrations of roly-poly Hugo and his tousled-hair young owner brim with eye-catching details and textures.

A doggone good day.