Tough Tug - Hardcover

Margaret Read MacDonald is the author of more than sixty books, including Give Up, Gecko!, illustrated by Deborah Melmon, and Too Many Fairies, illustrated by Susan Mitchell. She has a PhD in folklore, as well as master’s degrees in education and library science, and she travels all over the world to tell stories. She and her family spend much of their time on Guemes Island, watching tugboats at work, and once, they got to ride on a newly launched tug built in Anacortes, Washington. Learn more about her at www.margaretreadmacdonald.com.

Rob McClurkan is the author and illustrator of Aw, Nuts! and Playdates Rule! and has also illustrated a number of books, including Lucy Loves Goosey by Linda Joy Singleton. He grew up in Tennessee, where his grandparents’ farm, Saturday morning cartoons, and the Sunday funnies fueled his imagination. Now, he lives with family near Atlanta, Georgia. He once visited Alaska, just like Tough Tug, and used that visit for visual inspiration for this book. Visit Rob at www.seerobdraw.com.

“The anthropomorphized boats have plenty of personality, and readers who study the expressions on the container ships will be rewarded...A brassy, assertive fellow—young readers in the middle of their own power struggles will relate.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A feel-good story about a small individual overcoming obstacles.” —School Library Journal

“Tough Tug sends positive messages about responsibility and helping others. Repeated phrases on each spread—Slide and Splash, Swirl and Twirl—get exaggerated font sizes and lend a fun rhythm to storytelling.” —Mom Read It

“This delightful book is sure to capture the spirit of young children. Tough Tug has determination and energy, and I yearned to read this book aloud to a classroom of readers. As he adventures to new horizons, Tough Tug realizes just how difficult it is to be a tugboat, but he knows that his passion will get him to his goal. The bright illustrations feature determined, anthropomorphic ships. Readers will feel energized after reading this one.” —Unleashing Readers

“Tough Tug would be a welcome book for young readers navigating new places or experiences and for those excited by boats and vehicles at home and in classrooms.” —Celebrate Picture Books

“The facial expressions on the boats in Tough Tug are exquisite! So many good character words come to mind as I look at the many faces of Tough Tug! Wow!” —Literary Fusions