Early Readers: Nugget and Dog, All ketchup, no mustard! by Jason Tharp

 I discovered Jason Tharp's early readers when I was looking for more funny, comic-style readers for my fans of Jonathan Fenske and it absolutely makes sense that Read-to-Read Graphics would tag him for their debut easy reader graphics, since his style is fitted so well to it.

With the main characters being a hot dog and chicken nugget, I was immediately reminded of Charise Mericle Harper's Bean Dog and Nugget which were big with my young readers, not to mention all the recent sentient food stories. I have to admit I don't really understand the appeal of these, but kids think they're hilarious!

Tharp's Nugget and Dog are definitely his own unique creation though. The two friends are digging around in Great-Grandpa Frank Furter's attic when they discover his past history as a K.E.T.C.H.U.P. Crusader. Kind, Empathetic, Thoughtful, Courageous, Helpful, Unique, and Powerful. Nugget and Dog will need all those qualities if they're going to be super heroes and spread ketchup all over town - especially when the evil Dijon Mustard brings a monster to life and sets it loose on Gastropolis!

This series is a level 2 reader, with more complex sentences and graphics. Nugget and Dog introduce readers to speech bubbles, panels, and the basics of reading a comic. There's also a page introducing all the characters from Aunt Corny to Dijon Mustard. The book is divided into short chapters of 3-5 pages each. This book introduces different points of view, as one chapter features Nugget and Dog and the next will feature Dijon Mustard's evil schemes.

Tharp has a brisk, comic style with primary colors, bold lines, and more details and visual hints for readers to follow along with the text. The story is also more strongly moralistic, with its emphasis on kindness and empathy and the characters' demonstrating each virtue as they help citizens and eventually make friends with Dijon Mustard's "monster" who turns out to be misunderstood.

This is most appropriate for intermediate early readers, those who have successfully tackled Fly Guy and Acorn books, and will appeal to both kids and adults, especially teachers looking for social-emotional learning supports.

Verdict: Although the messages are a little overpowering, the humor and cartoon art will coax kids into reading and adults reluctant to allow graphic novels will be wooed by the character coaching included. This is a great combination of different elements and will make a strong and popular addition to any library's early reader collection.

ISBN: 9781534484634; Published June 2021 by Simon Spotlight; Pre-ordered for the library; Review copy provided by publisher