Cowboy Pug: the dog who rode for glory by Laura James

Ill. by Eglantine Ceulemans. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408866382
(Age: 5-7) Recommended. Humour. Dogs. Cowboys. Horses. Fear. Following on the success of Captain Pug the dog who sailed the seas by Laura James comes Cowboy Pug the dog who rode for glory. Here the reader finds the long suffering Pug dressed up in a cowboy hat and bandana, forced to trail behind Lady Miranda as she goes off horse-trading. They find a very tall horse Lady Miranda names Horsey and off they ride, meeting Frank on the way and being carried off in a horse trailer to the local horse show.
Cowboy Pug is a most reluctant hero. He would much prefer to lounge in his chair, having snacks and dozing, to adventuring with Lady Miranda. However when circumstances force him to be brave, he rises to the occasion and saves the day.
Beautifully illustrated in reds, yellows and greys, the reader will delight in the expression of fear on Pug's face and long suffering on Horsey's face. The scene when they gallop around the show jumping ring is brilliant. Lady Miranda is depicted as an impetuous young girl and the two footmen Running Footman Will and Running Footman Liam, who carry the sedan chair are hilarious.
The newly independent reader will sympathise with Pug as he is forced into uncomfortable situations by Lady Miranda and circumstances, cheer as he overcomes his fears and look forward to the next in the series, Safari Pug.
Pat Pledger