Scruff the Pup and the Cracking of the Cocoa Pod

by Katherine Udovicich

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GENRE:   Children’s

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Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way! Scruff the pup is drooling in anticipation. But what will Scruff discover about chocolate eggs when a-hunting he will go? Find out in this gratifying wag of a tale.

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EXCERPT

The family is trying to make a large chocolate Easter bunny for the next day. Scruff plans to mop up any chocolate that drips to the floor.

The other dog, Frog, strangely named, catches a whiff of the tantalising chocolate aroma and hastily makes his way outside—muttering something or other about the cocoa pod.

Mum looks at Scruff licking his lips. ‘It’s a pity Scruff can’t have le chocolat,’ she says, trying to be discrete, as Dad and the two kids each try to claim a spoon from the chocolate cooking pot.

Scruff’s ears prick up at le chocolat—his great-grandmother was a French poodle. No chocolate for me?! he thinks, incredulous, and moves closer to the action.

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My Review

Scruff the Pup and the Cracking of the Cocoa Pod by Katherine Udovicich is a cautionary “tail” that all dog people should read.  It is an Easter story about a cute little scoundrel who has never had chocolate and desperately desires to taste it. The poor pup simply can’t understand why no one in the family will let him have any, when, after all, everyone passes him tasty treats under the table all the time.

With hurt feelings, he devises a plan to nab some of that illusive chocolate. Will he be successful and if so what would be the consequences?

The illustrations of Scruff and his older canine companion, Frog, by Madeleine Mae B. Migallos are adorable and children will love them but the text of the story is more for older kids.

The main take away for readers of all ages is that although chocolate is wonderfully delicious and perfectly safe for humans, the ingredient “theobromine” is toxic for our furry friends. I give it 5 stars for doggie safety messaging.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Katherine Udovicich has a background in primary teaching and education. She is from Melbourne, Australia, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s in teaching. Katherine’s greatest joy is being a mum, and she is passionate about promoting literacy development for all children.

CONNECT WITH Katherine

WEBSITE: https://katherineudovicich.com/

INSTAGRAM: Coming soon

PURCHASE LINKS Scruff the Pup and the Cracking of the Cocoa Pod         

AMAZON.COM

https://amazon.com/dp/0228863740

AMAZON.CA

https://amazon.ca/dp/0228863740

BOOKTOPIA

https://www.booktopia.com.au/search.ep?keywords=9780228863748

INDIGO CHAPTERS

https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/scruff-the-pup-and-the-cracking-of-the-cocoa-pod/9780228863748.html

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scruff-the-pup-and-the-cracking-of-the-cocoa-pod-katherine-udovicich/1144264798

WALMART

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=9780228863748

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GIVEAWAY

Katherine Udovicich will be awarding $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway