Happy Book Birthday to Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Gia and I wish a Happy Book Birthday to Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano and Dan Tavis! Thanks to Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy.

Milton, a pug, shares a house with many other dogs. A family would be great but, Milton is realistic and content with his local adventures sniffing, eating, and playing in the big yard. One day, Milton discovers he is moving. Is this his forever home? This new adventure makes him anxious but he puts on a brave face. When Milton meets Jonathan at the airport, the pug realizes he is not the only one who is nervous. In his new home. the sight of his favorite snacks, comfy beds, and photos of a pug named Noodle, calms Milton into a restful first night’s sleep; however, a thunderstorm reignite his anxiety. Luckily, Jonathan is right there to soothe Milton. In time, with many new adventures, Jonathan and Milton both learn it is easier to be brave together as a family.

Written in third person following Milton’s travels from foster home to forever home, Author Graziano’s tender and uplifting story encompasses themes of courage, patience, trust, friendship and love. Ilustrator Tavis’ artwork warmly captures Milton’s and Jonathan’s emotions and will spark smiles and laughter from particular scenes such as Milton befriending a skunk.

I had the privilege of reviewing his first two books, Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle and the Comfy Mountain on the blog and was saddened to hear of Noodles’ passing in 2022.

Milton Makes a Move especially tugs at my heart because a few months after my husband and I said goodbye to our rescue beagle Bella in 2025, we welcomed a 6 month old puppy we named Gia. Originally from North Carolina, Gia was saved by a Maryland rescue and had an amazing foster mom. Those first few months were anxious yet comforting. Over a year later, we are thriving (well, 99% of the time)!

Wishing all the best to Milton and Jonathan!