Pugtato Babysits the Snouts

Pugtato finds his inner child when he babysits a trio of young mischief-makers. Pugtato--who has the face of a pug, two tiny arms, and a spud body--agrees to watch three little Brussels snouts, who resemble green piglets, while their parents shop. He has little idea how energetic and creative these wee ones are. When Pugtato tries to carry them, they declare that they're not babies and carry him instead. All set to work painting potted plants with some artichicks; the snouts add adornments like pompoms and sequins. When a yellow bell pupper passes by, skipping rope with a length of twine, the snouts declare they need to try it, too. With a long piece of twine, they fashion a tightrope; Pugtato cycles across it on a bicycle with the snouts holding on. Next comes a splashfest, triggered by the antics of some baby croccolis. One of the snouts finds a hose and turns a bucket into a nifty pool. Pugtato doesn't want to swim without a bathing suit, so the snouts fashion him a big diaper. After so much activity, Pugtato falls asleep. When he wakes, the snout parents are back, and the little snouts want to know if they can babysit Pugtato again. Corrigan's text, relayed in rhyming couplets, is a punny delight, and her cute pictures have a childlike feel. Children who may never have imagined that veggies could be made so adorable might well find themselves looking at their dinner plates with new eyes. Pugtato is ridiculously appealing. Wordplay and antics geared to the very young funny bone. * Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2021 *