'Diligence and openheartedness are the themes of this rhyming story by Corrigan (The Not Bad Animals), but its real appeal lies in its eccentric cast: each character is a mash-up of a vegetable and animal species, with a hybrid name that evokes Parentese. The eponymous Pugtato, a roly-poly tuber-puppy who lives in a vegetable patch, discovers the mysterious and seemingly inanimate 'Thing'--pearly pink and shaped like a Nautilus shell--and wants to do right by it. But friends like Tweetroot, a beet-red bird, and Carrat, who's bright orange and toothy, are only interested in Thing for their own purposes ('Carrat thought Thing/ was for gnawing and chewing'). Finally, the wise Unicorn on the Cob advises from a leafy stalk, 'you must follow your heart./ For it holds all the answers/ and sets you apart'; thus inspired, Pugtato hugs Thing, and it blossoms into a new friend. While the book's earnestness is undeniable, its real impact may be in the giggles it inspires when readers next see a salad or produce stand. Ages 4--8.' -- Publishers Weekly

'In a very odd garden, where leaves have tiny faces and sunflowers smile, lives a spud, Pugtato, whose 'spuddies' include a wise old Unicorn on the cob; Carrat, a rodent-like orange veggie; chill dude Purrsnips; Cowbbage, who moos at things; and more. When Pugtato, who digs in the dirt very much as a pug might, with the markings and small paws of that breed, unearths a small opalescent spiraling round Thing, he queries all, near and far, to find out what it is. He follows his heart in how it should be handled--the others are not quite so careful with it--and hugs it till a snail friend, a new spuddy for him, emerges. The rhyme scheme of the story is charmingly awkward: 'Sorry to wake you, but I am confused. Can you tell me how this little Thing should be used?' Still, this is destined to be a story hour favorite, as Thing is passed from one helpful neighbor to another, and bounced, scratched, tossed, and nearly eaten on its way to friendship. Corrigan's illustrations have a Japanese minimalism but an English country garden's palette and readers will smile through the pages, seeking what's next. VERDICT: In a world where vegetables and animals are merged into one endearing category, this book speaks to a preschooler's sense of silly while also carrying a lesson of loving inclusion.' --STARRED review, School Library Journal, June 2020 -- School Library Journal

'When Pugtato's simple, quiet life is disrupted after he digs up a strange object in his garden, he enlists his best 'spuddies' to help (they are more clever than he is, after all). Tweetroot is certain it's a new egg for her nest. Tomatoad is quite sure it's a toy just for him. And Purrsnip simply won't stop scratching it! Luckily, Pugtato has another very special spuddy to ask... Humorous illustrations, punny character names, and quirky text combine for a sure-to-please book about friendship and believing in yourself.' -- Midwest Book Review

In this delightful, silly romp through a garden filled with unique and charming creatures--part vegetable, part animal--Pugtato, 'a simple, good spud,' finds a shiny, round Thing when he digs in the mud. Pugtato is bewildered because he can't figure out what the Thing is. He cleans it off and sets out to seek the wisdom of his 'best spuddies.' Tweetroot (a beet-bird), Tomatoad (a tomato-toad), Purrsnip (a parsnip-cat), Cowbbage (a cabbage-cow), Unicorn on the Cob (a corn-unicorn), and others offer their suggestions to Pugtato. Finally, Pugtato realizes that all he needs to do is give the Thing a hug. When he follows his heart, he makes a wonderful discovery--'a newest, best spuddy.' Filled with hilarious, cartoonish illustrations, this rhyming picture book is sure to delight young children again and again as it teaches them about compassion, friendship, and believing in oneself. -- The Banner, April 2021

Pugtato decides that even though he isn't always the smartest spud around, he is the wisest when he follows his heart! I loved this story! The puns with the animals and fruit/vegetables are absolutely adorable and great conversation pieces! -- Pennsylvania School Librarians Association