About Book
‘Nico and Tugger’ Teach Children about New Siblings
New book explores sibling rivalry, growing a family
HAMILTON, N.J.–Transitions are never easy, and adding a new brother or sister to one’s family can leave children a little confused and a lot rebellious. Author Kimberly Sentek hopes to ease the minds of parents and children alike in her new story told by two characters in Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale (published by Trafford Publishing).
In her book, Sentek tells the tale of Nico and Tugger – two loveable dogs who become brothers and must learn how to sit, stay, and play nice with each other. Her motivation to write the story hit very close to home.
“When I got my second dog and saw how the two interacted together, I thought it paralleled how children act with each other,” Sentek says.
The story unfolds from each dog’s perspective, which will help children understand differing points of view and learn how to adapt to a new sibling.
“It is a gift to have a sibling; I hope the book helps children understand this and shows them that everyone can fit in the family, even if it doesn’t seem like it at times.”
ISBN: 978-1466942875
Publisher: Trafford
Date of publish: October 2012
Pages: 28
About Kimberly
Kimberly Sentek lives in New Jersey with her two dogs, Nico and Tugger. They love long walks around the neighborhood, eating popcorn, and having their bellies rubbed. For more information on the author or to download puzzles and coloring pages, please visit www.kimberlysentek.com .
Who am I? I am a daughter, a sister, a niece, a goddaughter, a godmother, a friend, occasionally a poet, a softie for animals and kids, and now a children’s book author. I may not be the best at these at all times, but I am me. I am OK with that; I hope that you are too!
- I was so obsessed with “Nancy Drew” books as a child that I tried to convince my cousins to give me the nickname “Drew.” They didn’t…
- I cried at the end of To Kill a Mockingbird.
- I love the look of old books on a bookshelf.
- I was an editor years ago. I enjoy and miss that kind of work.
- One day I hope my bookshelf is full of books I have written, whether it’s children’s books or adult fiction (I’m still toying around with the latter).
- I have a soft spot for cockapoos. Nico and Tugger, the two dogs that currently own me, are both cockapoos.
- As a child, I thought our dog Basha was huge. Looking back, I realize that she was probably 25 pounds at the most, which may be why she didn’t like when I tried to ride her like a horse.
- A Billy Squier concert was the first that I ever attended.
- My longest crush is Jon Bon Jovi; our relationship is the longest romantic one that I have had. It’s a shame he doesn’t know about it.
Kimberly would like you to Meet Nico and Tugger!
Nico
A cocker spaniel and poodle mix am I.
Every time I’m in the car I cry.
If I get reprimanded I grumble,
Sometimes loudly, sometimes as a mumble.
I like my ears and belly to be rubbed,
But dislike bathtime in the tub.
I wag my tail if Mommy looks at me,
But I don’t think she gives enough treats.
In our house also is my brother, Tugger.
I love him, even when he’s a bugger.
I let him think he’s got the top spot,
But does he really? He does not.
I have owned and loved Mom for nine-plus years.
Anything but her singing is music to my ears.
I know I am quite the lucky pup.
This is a life I’d never give up!
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| All duded up for Easter! |
A cocker spaniel and poodle mix am I.
At four years old, I am quite the cute guy.
I am always ready to give a kiss.
For me, showing my love is pure bliss.
I always try to be at Mommy’s side or feet.
When I am, life is oh-so sweet!
Call anything out and I will run–
Even if it’s not my name I will come!
And if your eyes make contact with mine
Please know I’ll think it’s belly-rub time.
I always walk when I go “number two”
And enjoy finding used tissues to chew.
I have a brother Nico–he’s the best!
With all the love in my life I know I am blessed!
Sometimes I’m “top dog”–sometimes I’m not,
But no matter what, I’m in a great spot!
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| Ho! Ho! Ho! |
Sibling rivalry even exist with dogs. There are two tails, sorry I mean to tales to this story, Nico's tale and Tugger's tale.
Nico was not asked if he would like a little brother. In his opinion this little guy was invading his territory and he was not a happy Tugger was in his home. Tugger was very hyper and was so bold as to take Nico's toys without permission and people were totally ignoring Nico and giving all their attention to Tugger. But Nico has to admit Tugger is very entertaining maybe he will give him a chance.
Do you think Nico will warm up to Tugger?
No one asked Tugger if he wanted to be adopted into a new family. In his new home the people are really nice and give him lots of attention. But they have another dog named Nico and he is a big grouch. He does not seem to like Tugger. Maybe if Tugger tries to play with Nico he would consider welcoming Tugger as his brother. Tugger has made some headway by making Nico laugh.
Do you think Tugger will grow on Nico?
This is a fun story about sibling rivalry and adjusting to a new member of the family. The author takes a real life situation most of us are very familiar with when it comes to children and pets and she puts it to print in this darling book. She shows how Nico fears of losing his special relationship with his family because of this new puppy not realizing it will enhance his life with one more to love.
The illustrations depicts the story the author has writting and captures the perfect image of Nico and tugger and their antics.
I have two Labs, Casper the father and Cocoa the son. They have been a true blessing to our family and have given us more entertain than we ever imagined was possible. I totally relate to this cute story of Nico and Tugger.I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book fro Bostick Communications/Author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
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| BOSTICK COMMUNICATIONS |
Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate your kinds words!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thoughts that your dogs have been blessings and have brought so much entertainment to you and your family. I don't know what is it like to not have a dog, as they have been big parts of our family since before I was born.
Nico was an "only dog" for more than five years before Tugger came along more than four years ago. To this day, they still "fight" over toys, who will sit next to me, who gets brushed first, etc., but they really love each other, too. They play, wrestle, sleep with each other, etc. So much of their behavior made me think not only of just my sister and me when we were growing (and sometimes what we do as adults), but also of other people I know who have siblings or have more than one child.
I thought it was important to tell both sides of the story, as both of them are part of it, but also because it can help children understand that not everyone sees the same situation the same way. I plan to continue with a series about the dogs where they do things that kids do, and each will tell his version of events. Book #2 is being written now.
Again, thank you so much,
Kim