Oh, what a cute story told from the point of view of Thunder, the dog. Thunder has the life but then his inner wolf tries to tell him that the wild is the way to go. The story goes through Thunder’s journey deciding which life is what he wants.

A simple and interesting story of a dog who hallucinates a wolf guiding him to be the original form that he was, due to the fact that all dogs came from wolves at one point in time. Sage, the dog’s owner, is a young girl probably around 9-10 years old who seeks to find magical creatures outside (in this story, there aren’t actually magical creatures but just part of children play) and what’s interesting about what she said was that through the constant seeking of finding magical creatures, she soon realizes that she already had a magical creature, which is her dog. I find it sweet that Sage would describe the dog as a creature of beauty and wonder. Overall, it was a cute book to read with a little bit of adventure, and other than the hallucination part with the wolf… I would say it’s ok for children to read.

Thank you to NetGallery for providing me a digital copy in advance!

I was excited to read Wagnificent for my possible classroom titles, but I have to say I was disappointed. I loved the cover and the artwork especially. The text was surprisingly low level, which can be great for accessibility for lower levels, but the story itself was lacking. I usually love graphic novels and animal stories really captivate my readers. However, the dog seeing the wolf spectre was clear to an adult reading the book that this is a part of him and all dogs, but the complex emotions portrayed felt like they outstripped that lower level text. The girl was a cardboard cut-out with no real memorable traits. The ending with the girl needing rescue had me turning pages. Overall, I don't think it was right for my 5th graders, but marketed as a low-level-high readability for older struggling readers perhaps.

This is super cute. You follow Thunder, a dog learning about her wolf heritage, and the ways that she falls more in love with her life and bond with her human Sage. This is just a warm, feel good kind of graphic novel with some silly humor and adorable illustrations.

This was such a cute book from the perspective of a dog.

I enjoyed the simplicity of Thunder’s inner dialogue, the depictions and the scenarios that created unintentional chaos for sage.

This book kept both my 12 year old & toddler entertained.

we learned a lot from the “pack manners” between each chapter. A beautiful book about friendship.


I volunteered to read this ARC through NetGalley

This book was not my cup of tea. I'm giving it two stars because the artwork is very nice, but the story is just...odd. The whole magic coat / random wolf / finding your inner wolf dialogue just did not flow well and felt forced and contrived. There was nothing that I felt was inappropriate, per se, but it's not one I'll be adding to our library.

Who doesn't like stories with dogs? This is a very adorable book with fun graphics and a great story. Enjoyable for adults and kiddos! Hopefully there will be more stories to come in this series.

*Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

This is a wonderful book for younger readers. Who doesn't enjoy a book about a dog? Thunder is not the perfect dog, but he tries. I feel that this is a good story point that would make younger readers think about why Thunder acts this way and how his human can help him. Here's to the adventures of Sage and Thunder! I thank NetGalley and McMillian Publishing Group for the advance read.

"Wagnificent" by Bethanie Deeney Murguia is a heartwarming and delightful picture book that captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the joy of canine companionship. With whimsical illustrations and a charming narrative, Murguia brings to life a tale that will resonate with both children and adults alike.

The story revolves around an endearing dog named Wags who embarks on a spirited adventure through a bustling city. From the moment Wags sets paw on the pavement, readers are treated to a visual feast of vibrant scenes and playful encounters. Murguia's illustrations are not only visually captivating but also convey a sense of energy and enthusiasm that mirrors the boundless spirit of our furry protagonist.

What makes "Wagnificent" truly special is its ability to convey meaningful messages through a simple and accessible storyline. The importance of kindness, curiosity, and the joy of making new friends is beautifully woven into the fabric of the narrative. Wags becomes a lovable guide, encouraging readers to embrace the world around them and appreciate the little moments that make life wagnificent.

Murguia's writing is both engaging and poetic, making it a joy to read aloud. The rhythmic cadence of the text enhances the storytelling experience, making it an ideal choice for bedtime or classroom reading sessions. The author's choice of language and playful wordplay adds an extra layer of charm, making "Wagnificent" a story that lingers in the hearts of its readers.

As a celebration of the special bond between humans and their furry friends, "Wagnificent" succeeds admirably. It's a book that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the beauty of embracing life with an open heart. Bethanie Deeney Murguia has created a truly wagnificent tale that will undoubtedly wag its way into the hearts of readers of all ages.

Thanks for the ARC, Netgalley!

With a dog who looks a little like scooby doo, we are able to finally understand what goes through the K9 mind! Thunder and his human go through different trials and tribulations on the quest to be a good dog that descended from wolves into the wagnificent creature that he is. Follow the two on their journey to get back home and be the good doggo that thunder thinks he is.

This story overall did not hold my attention. It felt like other books out there with similar characters. I do feel like my students would enjoy it once added to my classroom library.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Wagnificent. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It is an adorable tale for any dog lover and the art is so cute. It has some great lessons about embracing your true self.

Clever graphic novel about the relationship between a Sage and her furry best friend, Thunder. The story has so many creative elements including the wag-o-meter, pack manner charts, his worry “wind” and his alter ego of the wolf. This playful story uses this “alter-ego” to teach us that dog’s natural behaviors are derived from wolves.

Sage takes Thunder on her adventures to check the mail, play fetch, and the main goal of making a magical cape to ultimately start unicorn tracking. But after listening to his wolf alter-ego he has other plans and she must change course to be reunited with Thunder.

Thank you NetGalley & McMillians Children for this ARC. Be sure to grab your copy releasing on 7.22.24!

This was lovely! Quicker than I anticipated, but a sweet story about deciding who you will be despite what others say you should be, through the perspective of a dog.

This was super cute and a fun read for any dog lover. Thunder listening to his inner wolf gets him in a bit of trouble. I would love to see a continuation of this and Thunders antics.

Thunder, the lovable dog, enjoys the simple joys in life, like napping by the sunny window and playing fetch with her favorite human, Sage. But Thunder faces a ruff decision when her inner Wolf emerges, revealing the wild side within. Will she stay a loyal pet to Sage, or embrace her ancestral roots? Filled with humor, heart, and delightful illustrations, this graphic novel is perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered about the secret life of their furry friend. Prepare for ALL THE WAGS!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Wagnificent by Bethanie Deeney Murguia.

This book did not disappoint, I enjoyed the story and the graphics. The author does a great job describing mannerisms of a dog. Thunder, Thunderpants, or Thunderpaws is such a cute and loyal dog. I too have many names for my dog Moose. I love dogs. I really enjoyed the facts at the end of book. Ever wonder why your dog does circles before laying down?? The author will tell you.

I will definitely buy this book for our Juvenile section at the library. Thanks!

This was so cute!!! I loved the message and the adorable lovable characters. The doggy was so cute it made me want a dog of my own and I’m a cat person! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves animals and needs a cute little pick me up.

Has your child read Animal Rescue Friends and loved it? then get them this book! They will be equally hooked and will enjoy every page of it!
It is fun, it is nice, it is sweet, there is friendship, there are animals, there is love, there is care, there is – you know, there is everything. The book is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves pets and graphic novels. The drawings are perfect. The story is great.

Wagnificent is the story of Thunder, a wonderfully happy dog who loves her human Sage dearly. One day a Wolf only she can see appears and tries to get her to connect to her more wolf like roots. Thunder goes through many ups and downs through this process and her human Sage goes along with her as she discovers things about herself. This is a lovely story about being yourself and a true love letter to the pets in our lives. I look forward to hopefully seeing more of their adventures!