Morning Puppa

by P. Anastasia, Zoe Saunders (Illustrator)

Overview

This proper Puppa loves a hot cuppa-tea, that is!

Puppa's favorite cup has gone missing, and he can't find his friends anywhere.

Can he solve this doggone mystery in time for breakfast?

Follow an adorable Aussie on an adventure filled with tasty treats and a BIG surprise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781952425004
Publisher:	Jackal Moon Press
Publication date:	11/02/2021
Pages:	34
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.09(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

Editorial Reviews

07/11/2022

Opening with a moment of crisis, Anastasia and Saunders introduce a scarf-wearing canine narrator who is distressed by the disappearance of their beloved paw-print teacup, leading to a low-stakes investigation around the dog’s quaint home. As the search proceeds in lighthearted, rhyming prose, it becomes clear that not only has the teacup gone missing, but the dog’s stuffed friends, all named for teas (Matcha, Earl, Minty, and Rose), are gone as well, and there’s “not a morsel” to be found in the kitchen. Desaturated, cool-toned illustrations give off a mild-mannered vibe, following the protagonist around the home as the pooch peers into cupboards and jars, and pouts beneath framed images of themself (“I give up! I’m done! Right here I will stay./ This doggone mess has ruined my day”). Individualizing details, such as one stuffed animal’s monocle, top hat, and vest, differentiate each character en route to the friendly reveal, which positions each animal friend with a signature china pattern. A closing author’s note details the book’s inspirations in real-life Australian shepherd Benjamin. Ages 4–7. (Self-published)

Publishers Weekly

"Anastasia's fun story features a dash of mystery that is clever and kid-friendly." - Kirkus Reviews

"A mystery, an adventure, and a warm-hearted story of a problem-solving pup contribute to a gentle tale that kids will find absorbing and fun."

- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

2021-07-20
A dog searches for his missing belongings and friends in this picture book.

Puppa, an Australian shepherd, can’t find his beloved teacup. It is not on the bedside table where he left it. He wonders: “Was porcelain plundered as I counted sheep?” The canine hopes to enlist his friends in his hunt for the thief, but they are missing, too. For example, his pal Matcha is not in the toy box “where I left him.” Perplexed, Puppa decides to fix himself a snack, but the kitchen is bare: Even the cabinets are empty. He is determined to catch the perpetrator, because “this doggone mess has ruined my day.” Puppa grows hungry and thirsty (“I need a hot cuppa, a muffin, a waffle”). When he smells delicious aromas, he follows his nose and discovers his friends enjoying a party: “All of my pals were here the whole time! Nothing was stolen. There was no crime.” They even saved Puppa a special seat. The pooch exclaims: “Breakfast with friends is my cup of tea!” Anastasia’s fun story features a dash of mystery that is clever and kid-friendly. Readers will enjoy following Puppa’s movements. Saunders’ adorable illustrations depict the canine’s search. The detailed party scenes featuring a table full of treats are especially delightful. The images include anthropomorphic details, like Puppa’s red scarf. They also depict elements of the dog’s imagination, such as various foods, and indicate that his pals are toys or pillows.

An amusing mystery with a cute canine protagonist.

Kirkus Reviews