This post is sponsored by Jill Rosen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
MY REVIEW
Ode to a Pug: That Cat! is an absolute delight — a laugh-out-loud picture book that perfectly captures the chaos, jealousy, and unexpected friendship that happens when a new pet barges into your world. Told from the hilarious point of view of Phoebe, a gloriously squishy pug with big opinions (and even bigger farts), the rhyming text is fast, clever, and full of personality. Phoebe is not having it — and she’s not afraid to say so.
In lively, bouncy rhymes, Phoebe comes snout-to-snout with a very cheeky cat who turns her life upside down. True to her stubborn ways, Phoebe refuses to even learn the cat’s name — a snub that makes the story even funnier.
Jill Rosen nails the defiant-yet-lovable spirit of pugs while gently exploring how hard — and how rewarding — it can be to accept change. The silly moments (poop box drama, stolen nap spots, hairballs galore!) will have kids giggling and parents grinning. But underneath all the chaos, there’s a surprisingly sweet thread about friendship, forgiveness, and what it really means to share your heart — and your home. What starts as an epic pug protest slowly shifts into something much deeper. As the house grows a little too quiet without that fluffy tail to chase, readers feel the tug of real loneliness behind the laughs. The cat’s departure isn’t just a spat — it’s a clever reminder that sometimes we don’t realize how much someone means to us until they’re gone. And when that cheeky cat comes back? Get ready for a snuggle-fueled ending that melts even the grumpiest dog lover’s heart.
Perfect for kids ages 2–8 — and honestly, for anyone who’s ever loved a dog, a cat, or both — Ode to a Pug: That Cat! is a hilarious, heartfelt reminder that friendship can be messy… and magical. Highly recommended for bedtime giggles, classroom read-alouds, or any home currently negotiating fur sibling peace!
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win one of twelve signed hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT!. In addition, one lucky winner will receive a custom 4″ pug plush and a die-cut pug sticker.
Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/ode-to-a-pug-that-cat-by-jill-rosen-awareness-tour/
ABOUT THE BOOK
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 3-6 | 22 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0692261-1-2
Publisher’s Book Summary: From the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug comes Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! – the first in a series of amusing, adorably illustrated stories starring the gassy little pug that started it all.
Hilarious pug Phoebe is back, but she is not alone. See what happens when an unexpected new member enters the household.
Follow the silly antics as our number one velcro dog wrestles with sharing the spotlight. Of course, with its classic curly tail and squishy face, only a pug can pull off being both naughty and irresistible.
Double the chaos. Double the fun. Another laugh-out-loud, read-aloud story perfect for children ages 2-8 and dog (and cat!) lovers of all ages.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning, bestselling author Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She does not need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!
Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of and appreciation for powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.
Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, who are both avid readers. Now, Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there!
https://www.instagram.com/odetoapug
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 colourful. As a freelance illustrator and art director, Steph has been working in publishing and advertising in London.
https://www.instagram.com/stephdoespictures
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Monday, April 28, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Tuesday, April 29, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Wednesday, April 30, 2025Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Thursday, May 1, 2025Deliciously SavvyGuest Post about Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Friday, May 2, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Monday, May 5, 2025The Frugal GrandmomBook Spotlight on Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Tuesday, May 6, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Wednesday, May 7, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Thursday, May 8, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Friday, May 9, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewGuest Post about Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Monday, May 12, 2025Sybrina’s Book BlogGuest Post about Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Jill Rosen |
| Thursday, May 15, 2025Mrs. Makes Reading FunBook Review of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
| Friday, May 16, 2025The TipToe FairyBook Activity for Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! |
