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Magic Pet Shop/When You Adopt
When You Adopt a Pugicorn
In the picture book When You Adopt a Pugicorn , author Matilda Rose and illustrator Tim Budgen answer the question what happens when a princess wishes for a unicorn . . . but gets a PUGICORN instead?
Every year, young princesses and princes arrive at Mrs. Paws’s Haven for Magical Pets to pick a perfect unicorn pet. But this year Princess Ava arrived too late. There are no unicorns left . . . only a pugicorn! He’s short and hairy. He can’t sit still or gallop gracefully—and he certainly can’t leap over rainbows.
Can a pugicorn ever be a princess’s best friend?
“Digital illustrations by Budgen present dynamic, animation-style characters against a twinkly atmosphere, complementing Rose’s simple message that encourages trying new things and accepting differences.” — Publishers Weekly
Also Available from Matilda Rose and Tim
When You Adopt a The Christmas Wish
When You Adopt a Pandarina
When You Adopt a Starwhal
Every year, young princesses and princes arrive at Mrs. Paws’s Haven for Magical Pets to pick a perfect unicorn pet. But this year Princess Ava arrived too late. There are no unicorns left . . . only a pugicorn! He’s short and hairy. He can’t sit still or gallop gracefully—and he certainly can’t leap over rainbows.
Can a pugicorn ever be a princess’s best friend?
“Digital illustrations by Budgen present dynamic, animation-style characters against a twinkly atmosphere, complementing Rose’s simple message that encourages trying new things and accepting differences.” — Publishers Weekly
Also Available from Matilda Rose and Tim
When You Adopt a The Christmas Wish
When You Adopt a Pandarina
When You Adopt a Starwhal
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 7, 2021
5 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 17, 2022
This was one of three of my daughter's book fair picks and we absolutely loved it. It was our favorite!
Pugicorns rule!
The book is full of colourful and detailed pictures. My daughter would like me to mention how awesome his magical rainbow horn is.
We loved how dopey he was, but despite being treated poorly, he does the right thing and always helps others.
This book teaches us to respect the differences in others and know that everyone has their own strengths.
We really enjoy Tim Budgen's illustrations!
Pugicorns rule!
The book is full of colourful and detailed pictures. My daughter would like me to mention how awesome his magical rainbow horn is.
We loved how dopey he was, but despite being treated poorly, he does the right thing and always helps others.
This book teaches us to respect the differences in others and know that everyone has their own strengths.
We really enjoy Tim Budgen's illustrations!
May 9, 2024
This was the cutest story and has a great lesson about not trying to change someone.
October 10, 2022
My daughter's new favorite book.
December 7, 2021
I struggled with this book and just can’t like it.
Thank you, first of all, to Libro.fm for providing an audio of this title. This review is not a reflection of the pictures, which is so vital when reviewing a picture book, so take this with a grain of salt. The voice narration was bright, paced well, and clearly enunciated - no problems there.
It’s a pug combined with a unicorn - adorable, right? It’s a picture book and that should be enough. However, I found myself deeply disappointed with the characters. The princes/princesses are shallow and don’t really grow. I don’t really believe Ava, the protagonist, grows either. They all want unicorns and she gets stuck with this pug/unicorn hybrid and is annoyed. There is nothing in the story to indicate why she has a change of heart, but she does and everything is hearts and love.
I’m sure many will find this to be cute and children will have fun. Working with children, however, just makes me recognize how little we (all of us) provide them with depth in all media. I really wanted royalty without stereotypes and growth that makes sense. No more wand waving. Not recommended.
Thank you, first of all, to Libro.fm for providing an audio of this title. This review is not a reflection of the pictures, which is so vital when reviewing a picture book, so take this with a grain of salt. The voice narration was bright, paced well, and clearly enunciated - no problems there.
It’s a pug combined with a unicorn - adorable, right? It’s a picture book and that should be enough. However, I found myself deeply disappointed with the characters. The princes/princesses are shallow and don’t really grow. I don’t really believe Ava, the protagonist, grows either. They all want unicorns and she gets stuck with this pug/unicorn hybrid and is annoyed. There is nothing in the story to indicate why she has a change of heart, but she does and everything is hearts and love.
I’m sure many will find this to be cute and children will have fun. Working with children, however, just makes me recognize how little we (all of us) provide them with depth in all media. I really wanted royalty without stereotypes and growth that makes sense. No more wand waving. Not recommended.
November 12, 2021
This book had me squeeing with cuteness!
First of all, the vibrant rainbow magic illustrations and glitter cover are just setting me aglow!
I loved looking at all the scenery and (traditional) unicorns in this book. And I hope we get more books in the series--I can't wait to see Starwhal, and that rainbow-eared koala with the long tail looks really fun.
Then we get into a story you've probably seen a dozen times before (although admittedly done in a way I enjoyed much more than in those infuriating Unicorn Named Sparkle books). Princess Ava wants a unicorn, but the Magical Pet store is sold out, so she gets a pugicorn instead. Pugicorn is definitely not as graceful and elegant as a unicorn, but his time comes to shine--literally!--when the little royals and unicorns get lost in the forest.
First of all, the vibrant rainbow magic illustrations and glitter cover are just setting me aglow!
I loved looking at all the scenery and (traditional) unicorns in this book. And I hope we get more books in the series--I can't wait to see Starwhal, and that rainbow-eared koala with the long tail looks really fun.
Then we get into a story you've probably seen a dozen times before (although admittedly done in a way I enjoyed much more than in those infuriating Unicorn Named Sparkle books). Princess Ava wants a unicorn, but the Magical Pet store is sold out, so she gets a pugicorn instead. Pugicorn is definitely not as graceful and elegant as a unicorn, but his time comes to shine--literally!--when the little royals and unicorns get lost in the forest.
February 16, 2024
Love the magical animals: baby dragons, talking llamas, flying pigs, unicorns, narwhal unicorns... and best of all, the pugicorn!!!! (obvi) Pugicorn was completely adorable with a rainbow horn and tail!!!! (The only way he could be better was if he also farted rainbows. Love that - LoL). Be prepared for animal cruelty (she left him behind, and he cried rainbow tears, so sad), but it works out alright for Pugicorn and pugicorn puppies. Aww!
December 27, 2022
When all the unicorns have already been adopted, Princess Ava takes home a Pugicorn, but Pugicorns aren't quiet or graceful. Can Princess Ava still love him just as much? A cute story for fans of princes, princesses, unicorns, and puppies that celebrates acceptance. It kinda reminded me of the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Pugicorn's horn saving the day.
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September 13, 2021
What a cute little book! I specially listened to the audio (Thanks Libro.FM!), and it was incredibly well done. It would be great to listen to while reading along with the story, but it also stands alone, and is very engaging for young listeners. A fun story with a good theme.
December 25, 2024
I wasn't amazed by the story or writing. We have been bought a collection of these books so we shall see if they get any better.
Elijah's Verdict (4 months old)
He didn't seem to enjoy this one, he kept turning the pages, wanting it to finish.
Elijah's Verdict (4 months old)
He didn't seem to enjoy this one, he kept turning the pages, wanting it to finish.
March 31, 2025
This book is filled with beautiful, bright colored illustrations that will bring delight to any child. It teaches how to love and appreciate someone, or in this a case a pugicorn, for who they are.
August 20, 2021
3 stars - cute sweet something both unicorn and pug lovers will enjoy
October 12, 2021
Pugs, rainbows, princesses and unicorns.....whats not to love?
January 3, 2022
A super cute book about a pugicorn! The illustrations and book is small so it would be best enjoyed as a one-on-one story.
October 5, 2022
SUPER cute art and a good message.
October 24, 2022
Really really cute.
April 14, 2023
I would gladly adopt a pugicorn!!
September 20, 2023
There are a lot of words on each page. I like the illustrations, but I wish it was more brief so the focus was more on the pictures going with the words.
September 29, 2023
Cute book, good message!
July 29, 2024
Magical Pugicorn helps his friends.
September 24, 2024
A girl is looking for a pet unicorn but finds a pugicorn. She likes the pugicorn but also wishes she had a unicorn. But she comes around to appreciating the pet she does have.
November 13, 2024
If I could give this book a million stars I would. Fantastic illustrations, cute story and Pugicorn.
Love it so much
Love it so much
August 28, 2025
It was a very cute story! I enjoyed reading it to the kids!
November 4, 2022
Its good,
October 26, 2022
This was cute.
The art is gorgeous - just so pretty! And - to be entirely honest - the entire reason I picked up this series.
The writing was okay. Not the best, but I was mostly here for the artwork anyway. I am also wildly aware that I am not the target demographic for this book. (If it helps, it’s very popular at the book shop where I work).
The art is gorgeous - just so pretty! And - to be entirely honest - the entire reason I picked up this series.
The writing was okay. Not the best, but I was mostly here for the artwork anyway. I am also wildly aware that I am not the target demographic for this book. (If it helps, it’s very popular at the book shop where I work).
October 13, 2019
Pugicorn is just the cutest thing. All of the princesses get unicorns, but Princess Ava is too late and the only option left is Pugicorn. She's pretty annoyed about it until she realises that Pugicorn is the BOMB and unicorns are way too high maintenance. (Don't get me wrong, I like unicorns as much as the next girl, but pugs + unicorns = far superior).
Kind of reminds me of Pokemon and the way Ash is stuck with Pikachu because he sleeps in on the day he's supposed to get his starter Pokemon. Their friendship is now iconic, so Princess Ava and Pugicorn can join them in the history books.
Only giving this four stars because my partner isn't a dog person so he didn't find it engaging, so we're compromising between his three star and my five star rating!
Kind of reminds me of Pokemon and the way Ash is stuck with Pikachu because he sleeps in on the day he's supposed to get his starter Pokemon. Their friendship is now iconic, so Princess Ava and Pugicorn can join them in the history books.
Only giving this four stars because my partner isn't a dog person so he didn't find it engaging, so we're compromising between his three star and my five star rating!
October 12, 2021
I’m still upset with this so called princess Ava. She abandoned her adorable little pugicorn because he wasn’t a unicorn. What a spoiled brat!! I guess the pugicorn forgave her but whatever….he should’ve bit princess bratty pants.
August 31, 2019
THE MOST AMAZING, CUTE AND ADORABLE STORY. Pugicorn deserves all the love!!!
September 2, 2019
A lovely little story with absolutely cracking illustrations that really bring the story to life. Children (both young and old) will love finding all the hilarious details in each image.
August 2, 2020
Love it
September 24, 2021
So cute and magical.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews