Title: Petey the Pug Escapes for 24 Hours
Author: Renee Servello
Publisher: ‎Explora Books
ISBN: 978-1998394708
Pages: 32
Genre: Children Literature
Reviewer: Lily Amanda

Read Book Review

Petey the Pug Escapes for 24 Hours is a charming and heartwarming children’s story which captures the fun of curiosity, adventure, and the special bond between pets and their families. Told from the adorable, playful point of view of Petey the Pug, author Renee Servello has created a story which feels timeless and easy to fall in love with.

It starts when Petey, who lives near a busy golf facility, gets curious and sneaks out of his yard for a little adventure. What happens next is a full-on whirlwind chasing golf balls, dodging trucks, and meeting all kinds of new friendly people. Every little thing Petey notices is described with so much excitement and wonder that kids will totally get pulled into the story, wanting to know what’s coming next. One thing that really makes this tale special is all the kindness Petey runs into. From the truck driver who scoops him up, to the customers who cuddle and play with him, and especially Ty, who ends up taking him home for the night – it’s just so adorable. Ty’s reaction, going from confused to completely caring, adds such a genuine, human touch that really sticks with you.

The writing is simple and super easy for young readers to follow, perfect for reading aloud at bedtime. Petey’s little personality comes through loud and clear as you can feel how excited he is, how scared he gets sometimes, and how happy he is when he finally makes it back home. The message about how important it is to stay close to your family comes across naturally too, without feeling like it’s being forced. What makes it even sweeter is knowing the story is based on something that really happened, shared by the author’s son. That real-life connection makes Petey’s little adventure even more lovable. And honestly, if you’ve ever had a dog (especially a mischievous little pug!), this story will hit you right in your heart.

The illustrations are sprightly, adorable, and kid-friendly, making it easy for children to connect with Petey’s little adventure. You can feel exactly what Petey’s going through—whether he’s curious, scared, excited, or just plain sleepy—just by looking at his expressions. Scenes like him chasing those flying white balls (golf balls!) or riding in the big truck are full of energy and fun, but never too crazy. Overall, the illustrations bring the whole story to life in such a sweet way, making Petey’s adventure not just fun to read, but fun to follow too.

Petey the Pug Escapes for 24 Hours by Renee Servello is without a doubt a feel-good, cozy little adventure that’s perfect for bedtime. It is suitable for children between the ages of 2-12 years and is one of those books which will leave young readers smiling, feeling a little more thankful for home, and wanting to hug their pets just a little tighter.