Publishers Weekly
08/29/2022
After enjoying a game with two new poodle acquaintances, a puggle faces an unexpected question from its playmates: “What are you?” Proudly, it replies: “I am a dog!” Learning that the puggle is a cross between a beagle and a pug, the poodles make inferences about what it might be “good at.” All pugs are skilled at hula hoop, they insist, and all beagles are adept with pogo sticks. The puggle smartly—and without rancor—turns the tables: after asking the poodles what they’re good at (“Lots of things!”), it follows up with, “Are you good at those things because you are poodles?” Now the poodles understand the folly of making others fit into biased notions of identity; one is adept at things because “I like them and I practice and I am me.” Trimmer (The Little Things) employs matter-of-fact dialogue to keep the stereotype-prompted conversation squarely focused on curiosity and empathy, while cotton candy–hued, marker-style digital art by Curato (Where Is Bina Bear?) lends the same vibe to the characters’ interplay. A human variation of the conversation opens up to a reader-equipping discussion guide. Ages 3–6. Agent (for Trimmer and Curato): Brenda Bowen, Book Group. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"Curato's cartoonish dogs in soft colors give an inviting look to this story about a conversation that will be all too familiar to many kids, and the final pages, showing a trio of children having a similar conversation, drive that point home. A discussion guide closes out the book, providing caregivers with some advice for facilitating conversations about interracial identities and stereotypes with young children." - Booklist
School Library Journal
12/01/2022
PreS-Gr 2—Two poodles question another dog's breed, which is puggle: half pug, half beagle. Once the breed is identified, the poodles make broad stereotypes about the pup. For instance, all pugs are good at hula-hooping, and all beagles are good at pogo sticks. The puggle explains that what the puggle likes and does is based on individual preference, not a "breed." In essence, this story boils down complicated stereotypes about race, culture, and gender into a simple allegory for young readers. Back matter includes discussion questions written by a child psychologist to help adults guide conversations about stereotypes. Curato brings mastery to the discussion, with expressive and colorful artwork that elevates the discussion and lifts the allegory further. The book's warm pastel palette is welcoming. VERDICT A must-have for any public or school library collection.—Chance Lee Joyner
Kirkus Reviews
2022-09-28
A puppy play date leads to an uncomfortable question.
Though the dogs—a puggle and two poodle siblings—are having fun, the play stops abruptly when the poodles ask the puggle, “What are you?” Unsatisfied by the puggle’s answer of “dog,” the poodles inquire about the puggle’s parents—a combination of pug mother and beagle father—and attempt to justify their preconceived notions about pugs and beagles. The puggle disrupts the stereotypes by turning the question back on the poodles, asking what they are good at (many things) and if this is because of their breed. Affirming that their abilities are not intrinsic but are the result of interest and effort, the poodles realize the same is true of the puggle. The friends play once more until they notice two White human children asking the same question of a brown child; the poodles offer to disrupt the interaction. Trimmer endeavors to confront, and possibly reclaim, a dehumanizing question. Coupled with Curato’s soft, muted illustrations, the book may appeal to families seeking an indirect approach to conversations about identity. However, the work only grazes the surface when it comes to the experiences of biracial people and other people of color. Further, the choice to use purebred poodles and a designer mixed-breed dog as stand-ins for, respectively, White children and a biracial child may introduce more stereotypes than it breaks down—namely, the idea that biracial people are exotic or other. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An insufficient attempt to address the complexity of identity. (discussion questions for children and caregivers) (Picture book. 4-6)
