Here’s a great picture book about the special bond between kids and their pets.

Big Brother Pug by Jeff Loonan tells the story of Brando, a kindhearted pug and his younger siblings Siena and Leo. Brando proudly joins them in all of their everyday adventures. Each morning he eagerly runs to greet them, ready to start the day like a responsible older sibling. Throughout the story, Brando joins Siena for imaginative tea parties with stuffed animals and dolls, patiently sitting while she pours pretend drinks and serves treats. When Leo wants adventure, the games turn into superhero missions where Leo becomes “Lightning Boy” and Brando transforms into his heroic sidekick“Thunder.” Whether wearing costumes, chasing imaginary villains, or simply sharing snacks at the table, Brando is always happy to be part of the fun.

We read this with the second graders and they loved it. They got especially excited when they saw the real pictures of Brando in the back of the book. We had a lively conversation after we read the book… Many of the students have their own family dogs, leading to some adorable stories of how they dress their dogs up or play games with them. It’s written in rhyme and features adorable illustrations that perfectly complement the text.

It’s perfect for families with a dog and beautifully captures the unconditional love dogs give and the strong bonds that form between them and the children of the house. If you’re looking for a great book celebrating family, imagination, and the love between kids and their furry companions… this is definitely a must have!