Preview: It's a Punderlife Life

They're often thought of as one of the more lowly forms of humour and a literary device absolutely exhausted by all newspaper sub-editors seeking their next big headline, like that one from The Mirror that read 'from Russia.. with gloves' (haha?).

But puns have been around for centuries, let's take Shakespeare, for example, the most renowned of all in English Literature when it comes to poetry, play-writing and, yes, puns. Even the Bible, one of the oldest books known to man, features puns and, let's be honest, if a pun is done well who can't help but grin a little at its charm?

That's why I'm SO excited to get my hands on Gemma Correll's next book, based on her hilarious online series, Monday Punday, she has bound some of her best and most ingenious illustrated puns to bring us It's a Punderful Life: a fun collections of puns and wordplay.

The book is said to feature some of her most popular illustrated puns as well as a a collection of brand new and never seen before illustrations. Luckily, as huge fan of Correll's drawing style (if you haven't already guessed) I've managed to get hold of just a few that will be featured...

*SPOILER ALERT* 

Bitter coffee is clearly peed-off at the utter length of its name while the complimentary colours are all about the flattery... 

The refined sugars are somewhat of the upper class with their wine and poetry but really the surprise is with M&Ms... who knew they where bondage lovers?

Well, the rotten egg says it all really... 

Aren't they great?! 

It's a Punderful Life by Gemma Correll is due to be released in February 2014 by Dog 'n' Bone books and is available from www.rylandpeters.com 

A Pug's Guide To Dating by Gemma Correll.

"Wrinkly of face and fragrant of backside, the pug is one of nature's most romantic creations..."

Following on from A Pug's Guide To Etiquette, self-proclaimed pug guru Gemma Correll is back with her latest installment of doggy self-help, this time in matters of the heart, for the lovable "twenty pound, wheezing, farting lothario".

As always with Correll's nifty little guides it is filled with cute and funny illustrations of wary and silly looking pugs- undoubtedly inspired by her two muses, Mr. Pickles and Bella. The book is a hilarious parody of modern dating and a great look-book into her signature drawing of the funny little canine.

And so for the pug in love, or indeed for the pug who is devoid of a mate, A Pug's Guide to Dating is the ultimate love-bible, covering the basics of the dating game from charming chat-up lines; "did you just roll in fox poop or is that your natural aroma", to how to perfect first impressions and chance encounters.

We are introduced to the philosophy of love- it holds no boundaries over size, colour or breed as Correll offers pugs in want of love everywhere tips on grooming and what to wear on that all important first date: "an enlightened pug knows how to make the best of whatever he has to work with".

And for those looking to inject some romance into their current relationships, Correll suggests some rather fanciful activities like stargazing, serenades or sharing the love over pan-fried tissues in an organic peanut butter jus and a "Yellow Snow" margarita.

Suitable pet names for your amour.. 

And then, as is life, the book delves onto the more fragile topics of relationships and how to come out successfully on the other side because "there are more plenty more dogs in the park".

All in all, this works as a great gift for any Gemma Corell fan and is also great as a little coffee table book as we are guided through the world of canine love. Go on human! Pick up your copy of A Pug's Guide To Dating from Ryland Peters & Small for £9.99

A Pug's Guide to Etiquette by Gemma Correll.

Introducing probably THE only Pug's guide to etiquette by Gemma Correll... 

Having discovered the wonderful illustrations of Correll on Tumblr (naturally) I've been quite the enthusiast, keeping up with her stuff around the internet and seeing her works flourish. Now her designs can be found on the shirts of Urban Outfitters -  you know the ones 'Pugs Not Drugs' and 'Pug Life' - and on the jewellery of Chocolate and Steel. Her website provides a lovely insight into her daily blog and her portfolio as well as all the other marvelous creations she has for sale. So anyway, my point being is that I just LOVE her drawings and was eager to grab my copy of A Pug's Guide to Etiquette.


"The pug is a creature that plays by his own rules. When you want him to sit, he stands; when you want him to stay, he goes; and when you want him to stop eating unidentified substances off the floor, well..." 

As an owner of two Pugs herself, Correll demonstrates her expert knowledge on the etiquette of these cute little creatures. And of course what's so great about this little book is that you don't even need to own a Pug to enjoy it. I mean, I haven't got one anyway...

Filled with brilliantly humorous illustrations and a witty intelligence on the ways of the "proud, handsome, and fragrant" Pug, Correll supplies a fun, educational compendium on the grounding rules for how to be a Pug in Polite Society. From the rules surrounding how one should look in Personal Appearance & Grooming which covers the distribution of Pug hair (a generous gift left by any well-bred pug) right down to the gritty details of how one should toilet in the most elegant of manners, this nifty little manual prescribes the best solution to all Pug woes.

Correll ensures to mention other such important topics like table manners and how a Pug is to entertain their owner, which she states, is obviously through the passing of wind after dinner or the stealing of things from the washing basket...

A dutiful Pug should always perform parlor tricks for their human.

The guide continues to offer advice on how to pass time with sports and recreation. Correll warns against the farce that is fetch- no Pug should EVER reduce their standard to those "creatures of the lower social standing" (such as Labradors and humans).

Finally, of course, Correll offers readers the strict Etiquette of the Street and how any self-respecting Pug should carry themselves alongside their peers. Or indeed, with how to deal with the ignoramuses of society that simply do not understand their nature as sophisticated dogs: to drop and roll in anything that appears to be dead or rotting. Classy.

All in all, this lovely little guide is an excellent assemble on all the essentials for any Pug doggy and it certainly makes a great gift for any Pug-loving human or, in fact, ANY human who enjoys Correll's style.
The guide is available to purchase at a modest £9.99 from all good book retailers.