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 a beginning reader for grades 2 through 3 and is the first book in the Tugg and Teeny series. This book is 40 pages long and is broken down into three chapters.

Tugg (a gorilla) and Teeny (a monkey) are very good friends. Teeny is very adventurous and likes to try new things. In this book, she learns to play a music stick, paint, and write poetry. None of these things comes naturally to Teeny, and she has to practice and work hard at them. Her good friend Tugg encourages her along the way.

If you have a beginning reader in your house, I’d recommend that you get a copy of Tugg and Teeny. This book has beautiful, warm illustrations throughout, and the text is the perfect size for a beginning reader. There is also plenty of white space, so new readers won’t be overwhelmed by the amount of words on a page. Add to these things the sweet and encouraging storyline, and your new reader is bound to enjoy Tugg and Teeny.