Review of the New Release Children's Friendship Book Tugg and Teeny

This is a review of the new release children's friendship book Tugg and Teeny. It is authored by J. Patrick Lewis and is published by Sleeping Bear Press. I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher, but was under no obligation to recommend it. My observations are my own.

Synopsis and Review of the Children's Friendship Book Tugg and Teeny

Three chapters make up this 40 page book, essentially three stories involving a gorilla named Tugg and his best friend Teeny, a monkey. In the first chapter, "The Strange Stick," Teeny doesn't feel good that she can't make beautiful music, but then comes across a mysterious stick (thanks to the gorilla), and learns to play it, making beautiful music from it, which touches the jungle she lives in. In the second chapter, "What's in a Picture?," Teeny becomes inspired to paint a picture after attending an art show with Tugg, but becomes frustrated when her fellow jungle animals don't interpret her work the way she hopes. The final chapter in the children's friendship book Tugg and Teeny is called "Teeny's Poem." The monkey writes a very short poem, but it's not received well because it's too short, so with Tugg's encouragement, Teeny expands on her original work.

Teeny is basically the one who has the situations in the stories, so sensitive as she is, while her best friend Tugg plays the supportive friend who's there to make her feel better, and who utilizes the help of other jungle animals like Violet the Warthog. This value of having a best friend is written in a touching way that the targeted range of children (Grades 2-3) can understand. The illustrations by Christopher Denise have a water color feel to them, and are very detailed, emanating more warm vibes for the stories; and thus, I recommend this book.

The children's friendship book has a good feel in the hands, measuring out to be about 6" wide and 9" high. This product has a Suggested Retail Price for the paperback version of just $3.99, according to the book cover (prices can vary by book seller). The ISBN Number for Tugg and Teeny is 1585366854. For more information on the publisher, Sleeping Bear Press, contact 315 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone 800-487-2323. Email: sleepingbearpress@cengage.com Website here