The delightful Snug Pug character wasn’t initially part of the "Birthday Eve" story, but it quickly found its way into the narrative, capturing our hearts and adding an extra layer of fun to the tale.

In the beginning, the Snugs - tiny creatures with pointed ears and padded feet, carried the magic of growing older. Each Snug was unique, brimming with its own charm, but something was missing. I kept asking, "Are they cheeky enough? Can they win giggles with their antics alone?"


That’s when Snug Pug came into the picture. The creative process that followed brought this character to life, injecting mischief and smiles into every scene.

Working with my brilliant illustrator, Phil, and our queen of creativity, Emily, was a joy. They embraced the idea of Snug Pug immediately - another character, why not? But questions arose: Should Snug Pug be small, cute, troublesome or all three? Should there be many or just one? Should they have different faces or identical smiles?


After much deliberation and numerous iterations, we decided on the charm of their sameness. Like tiny lemmings, they move in groups, causing chaos and giggles wherever they go. Whether wearing tiny floaties in the heart, getting squished in the brain cogs, tangled up or being chased by a cheetah, the Snug Pugs added so much fun to the story.

Interestingly, my daughter thought they looked like avocados - can you spot the nod to this in the mouth spread?


So, how did Snug Pug find its way into the story and become the loveable character children adore?

Their mischievous nature seemed to weave itself seamlessly into the visual narrative, almost as if they were writing themselves into the illustrations. All that was left was to introduce them with the right words, and it came naturally: "Watch out for the Snug Pugs, such a clumsy little crew! Do you think they help the Snugs with all the trouble they get into?"

This playful line perfectly captured their essence, not as problem-solvers but as lovable troublemakers who, despite their antics, brought laughter and warmth to the story. And so, they stayed.

As you read through "Birthday Eve," keep an eye out for Snug Pug’s antics and share your special Snug Pug moments. They’re sure to ignite your child’s imagination and fill your family’s reading time with joy and laughter!