Noodle and the No Bones Day

April 25, 2022
Graziano’s wildly popular “Bones or No Bones” TikTok account has struck a chord with an over-scheduled public, and these pages—his picture book debut—provide the titular phrase’s origin story. Noodle, a “silly, stubborn, sweet old pug who leads a very busy life,” thoroughly enjoys N.Y.C. walks with pink-skinned human Jonathan, friendly barking at passersby, and snacks out of his noodle-pattern bowl (“More chicken, please”). But one day, as Tavis’s (Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion) reportorial, digitally painted art chronicles, Noodle doesn’t have his usual get-up-and-go. When Jonathan tries to leash Noodle up for a walk, the pooch collapses into his fluffy bed as if “he doesn’t have bones!” Noodle isn’t sick, hungry (well, not much), or sad; he just (as he communicates through sneezes) wants a day of canine self-care. So Jonathan enjoys a “no bones” day, too, and decides that henceforth, the duo will take days one at a time, achieving a better balance between big-city carpe diem and kicking back at home. For readers of all ages needing a little recharge affirmation, Noodles’ “bones”—or lack thereof—will be a balm. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8.

June 1, 2022
Graziano tells the story of his TikTok-famous pug, Noodle. Noodle is a silly, stubborn old pug who likes walks and snacks. "He's a pug who knows what he wants." Jonathan, his light-skinned owner, loves taking Noodle for walks and sharing snacks--they are a perfect pair. But one day, when it's time for a walk, Noodle just lies in his dog bed. Even when Jonathan tries to make Noodle sit up, Noodle flops back down. "It's like he doesn't have bones!" says Jonathan. Noodle doesn't seem sick--he just wants snacks and to stay in bed. Finally, Jonathan asks if Noodle would just like to snuggle instead and receives a strong affirmative from the drowsy pug. Together Noodle and his human enjoy a relaxing "no bones day" and learn an important lesson about rest and why it matters for silly, stubborn old pugs and for the humans who love them, too. Many may already be familiar with Noodle through his TikTok videos (if Noodle remains standing when Graziano lifts him, it's a "bones day"; among Noodle's followers, a "no bones day" has come to mean a day for self-care and taking it easy). However, this story stands alone and will likely create new fans for a long time to come. Hand-drawn and painted digitally, Tavis' illustrations rely on a muted palette and rounded images, depicting an appropriately cozy world. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A perfect story to enjoy on a "no bones day." (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)

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