Zoie’s Magic Fins by Steve Nava and Angel Cintron tells the story of Zoie, a little pug with more spunk than most and wheels for her back legs. Zoie lives in Pugtonia, a warm, cozy land ruled by her good-hearted brother, Otis. Her favorite thing to do is sit beneath her maple tree while letting her imagination run wild as the world moves past. Zoie yearns to participate in the Great Creek Relay race every summer. One bright summer, her two friends, Nami and Lucy, come up with an idea of asking her to join their team. Despite being scared, Zoie accepts the offer, and her friends cheer her up. Bear, one of her teammates, encourages Zoie. Otis tells her he believes in her. The team chooses Zoie to finish the relay. When her moment comes, Zoie dives into the water, and something magical happens, and everything changes.

Zoie's Magic Fins isn’t just a cute, fun story about pugs. It pushes kids to celebrate what makes them unique and to trust themselves. Kids get swept up in an adventure in Pugtonia, a place bursting with joy, friendship, and a whole lot of heart. Steve Nava and Angel Cintron present the story in both text and colorful art that brings every scene to life. They have also included pictures of the real pugs that inspired this story. One of the biggest lessons in this book is for friends and family of children with disabilities. There’s a strong message about being supportive and welcoming to others. On top of that, there are two unexpected twists, so the plot keeps you guessing. This is a fun read that teaches perseverance and reminds us that courage shines through regardless of physical form.

Zoie's Magic Fins by Steve Nava and Angel Cintron is the first book in the Pugtonia series. Zoie is a little pug who gets around on wheels, and she spends her mornings watching the other pugs race and splash in the creek from behind her white picket fence, wishing she could join in. When her friends Lucy and Nami invite her to be part of the Great Creek Relay, Zoie is thrilled but nervous. What if she's too slow? With her big brother Otis cheering her on and her friend Bear as her relay partner, she heads down to the creek, and something magical is waiting for her in the water.

Zoie's Magic Fins by Steve Nava and Angel Cintron is a warm, joyful picture book that will melt the hearts of young children and the grown-ups reading with them. The pugs of Pugtonia are adorable, the village is bright and cozy, and every pug in the story is one of Steve and Angel's real rescue dogs, with their photos and names at the back of the book, which is a lovely touch. It's also a nice reminder that rescue dogs, including those with disabilities, are often overlooked, yet they make loving, loyal companions and deserve a forever home as much as any other pup. What I loved most is how naturally it tells children that being different never means being left out. Zoie's wheels aren't something to fix or hide; they're part of who she is, and children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces will love seeing a hero who moves like them. Her friends and classmates will learn that there's more than one way to play. Otis is a wonderful big brother, always gentle and proud, and Bear's reminder that "we'll do it together" is something every child can take to heart. It's a lovely choice for families, classrooms, therapy settings, and libraries, and perfect for starting kind conversations about disability, courage, and belonging.