Tugg and Teeny are the lead characters in this chapter book series for young independent readers. Tugg (a gorilla) and Teeny (a monkey) are proof that opposites attract. While they are as different as night and day, they are inseparable and help one another face life’s challenges. For example, in this inaugural title Teeny is impulsive and always wants to try new things. Some of Teeny’s ambitions include: becoming a musician, creating art and poetry and even playing detective when his friends begin losing things. But Tugg is the voice of reason and supports Teeny but also keeps him grounded so the pair can find good solutions for their friends’ problems. The three “chapters” in each of the books are actually separate mini adventures but should still give beginning readers the satisfaction of reading chapter books. The illustrations are very colorful and help bring the characters to life. The publisher, Sleeping Bear Press, recommends Tugg and Teeny for grades 2 to 3, but once kids reach second grade, their reading skills can develop rapidly, and they tend to look for books with plots that continue from chapter to chapter. First grade, or ages 6 to 7, is our recommendation for the sweet spot for this series. There are a total of three Tugg and Teeny books available in a variety of formats.

Tugg and Teeny is about a monkey named Teeny and a gorilla named Tugg who go on adventures with their jungle friends. They help their friends with their problems and explore the jungle and learn lessons along the way. We think this book would be be good for kids at a lower reading level than second and third graders. This book has good life lessons. In Chapter One, it teaches you that with teamwork you will succeed. Chapter Two also emphasizes that life is not about winning; it is about having fun. However, in Chapter Three, Tugg shouldn’t have teased Teeny about the kite being a bird. The animals’ names all rhyme, except for Violet the warthog. In the illustrations, Teeny looks like a boy; perhaps a bow could have helped us know that Teeny is a girl. This is a good book for younger aged children. We personally think this book is cute and enjoyable.

J. Patrick Lewis was born in Gary, Indiana and moved to Ohio when he married. He grew up to be a wonderful children’s poet and author. One of our favorite riddles of his is: “I am a red, yellow, blue and green answering machine. What am I?” The answer is “a parrot.” Christopher Denise currently lives in Rhode Island.

Tugg and Teeny Jungle Surprises is one of three books in a brand-new beginning reader series written by renowned author J. Patrick Lewis. Award-winner Christopher Denise brings the jungle story to life with detailed and lively illustrations. New readers will quickly fall in love with best friends Tugg, a kind gorilla, and Teeny, an inquisitive monkey. Alongside many other jungle friends, Tugg and Teeny search for a lost treasure, host a wacky zebra race, and discover a strange bird flying in the sky.

Jungle Surprises is written for readers in grades 2-3. It’s divided into three chapters and contains 994 words. My daughter, who just turned 6, read the first chapter out loud to me without any difficulty. Though I told her to wait to read the next chapter, the next day she handed the book to me with a smile and said she’d already finished it! She said she liked the story, and just to make sure she didn’t miss anything, I had her narrate the rest of the book.

In my opinion, beginning readers can be rather dull and bland unless they feature timeless characters and stories such as Dick and Jane, Curious George, and Dr. Seuss, or well-loved cartoon characters like Care Bears, Thomas the Train, and Barbie. This is not the case with Tugg and Teeny. Though the characters will be new to children, engaging text and delightful illustrations make this new beginning reader a hit!

I recommend this book to newly independent readers who are ready to read their first chapter book out loud or to established independent readers. My daughter’s enthusiasm is all the proof I need that this was a great story!