Ode to a Pug

by Jill Rosen

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Pets

A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!

Guest Post

What inspired you to write this book?

Ode to a Pug actually is based on a true story where I found my pug, Phoebe, chewing on new shoes needed for an event.  In frustration, I exclaimed, “That’s it. You’re going back!” Unbeknownst to me, my youngest son overheard me, and the next morning he asked, “Mom, are you really going to give Phoebe away?” Of course I felt terrible, but thought what a great story everyone can relate too?

I wrote Ode to a Pug to show kids that everyone experiences strong emotions at times, and that’s ok. We might even say things we don’t mean to the ones we love the most. Pugs definitely bring out strong emotions in their owners. It’s quite common to see pug owners both cooing at their cute pup as well as plopping down on the couch in a heap after a pug tantrum.

Unlike most children’s books, Ode to a Pug is written in the voice of the mom. This unique approach was intentional and allows children reading along or having the book read to them to better see and empathize with what their mom is really thinking.

For any family getting, or thinking about getting a new puppy, this book is also an excellent resource for teaching children what to expect (and perhaps reminding their parents as well).

What can we expect from you in the future?

Well, you can certainly expect to see our little pug again, perhaps with some new furry friends! Families will be able to continue to laugh and feel along with the characters as they experience the ups and downs of everyday life… with a few toots along the way.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

I purposely used no names. The story is truly an ode to “A Pug”, which allows the muse to be any pug (or child) and the poet could be any parent or caregiver. I wanted as many readers as possible to be able to relate to, or picture themselves, in the story. Some of the greatest feedback I have received is from women who appreciated that they finally found a book where the mom reflected them, not any particular stereotype, and she is clearly comfortable in her own skin, with cute clothes to boot.

Who designed your book covers?

My amazing partner, French Award-winning artist Stephanie Rohr, truly brought Ode to a Pug to life with her silly and endearing illustrations, and of course her bright and adorable cover! Her style perfectly matched my desired tone for the book and whenever I read the book to students, the images never fail to draw the laughs we had hoped for or express the emotions on the characters’ faces we wanted the readers to see. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

It would have to be after the mom runs through all the ways her little pug has turned her life upside down and she says, “But, could I imagine it any other way?”.

When a good friend of mine read my very first draft of the book, after having her beautiful ‘surprise’ 5th son who was premature, at a time in her life where her youngest twins were in high-school, she cried at this part. That’s when I knew I had done it. That was exactly what I wanted to share with all readers – a story about unconditional love. I still tear up at that part.

What do you think about the current publishing market?

The publishing market is incredibly challenging. Especially with smaller publishers and printers having to compete with Amazon’s in-house, full-service machine. Getting rhyming books published is particularly tough, especially in markets with more than one official language. Most publishers say right up front that they don’t even accept submissions for rhyming books. Also, as every writer learns, the harder part often begins after your book is published. Even with the largest publishing houses nowadays, the bulk of the promotion work falls on the author. So having a marketing plan is key!

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 doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon – 1 winner,

Signed Hardcover copy of “Ode to a Pug” + Custom Die-Cut Pug Sticker – 3 winners,

Signed Hardcover copy of “Ode to a Pug” – 3 winners

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