Dog Trouble - by Kristin Varner (Paperback)

About the Book

"Ash is a good kid at heart. But his grades are slipping, and when he gets caught vandalizing an old building, it's the last straw. It's decided: Ash will spend some time away from the city, at his dad's place on Ferncliff Island. It's bad enough that Ash has no friends on the island (just an annoying little stepsister), but his parents are also making him do community service!"--

Book Synopsis

Tail-wagging fun!" --Remy Lai, author of Pawcasso

From the author of Horse Trouble comes a heartfelt, humorous graphic novel perfect for fans of PAWS and Allergic.

Ash is a good kid at heart, but things have been slipping. His grades are falling, and after he's caught vandalizing an old building, his parents decide enough is enough. He's sent away from the city to stay with his dad on quiet Ferncliff Island.

As if that isn't bad enough, Ash is also required to complete community service at the local animal shelter.

He's not a dog person. Not even close.

But everything starts to change when he meets the shelter dogs--especially Cooper, a clever, affectionate pointer with a talent for sloppy kisses and unexpected loyalty. As Ash bonds with the dogs, he begins to realize that Ferncliff Island might not be the punishment he thought it was.

Maybe it's exactly where he needs to be.

A warm, funny story about second chances, unexpected friendships, and finding your place--one paw at a time.

Review Quotes

An ALA Best Graphic Novel for Children

"A heartwarming coming-of-age story that is also tail-wagging fun!" --Remy Lai, author of Pawcasso

"A sincere and funny exploration of the complexity of family and the role our dog companions have in our lives. This book left a paw print on my heart!" --Faith Erin Hicks, author of Ride On

"A successful story of overcoming challenges with compassion and patience, and a recommended purchase for libraries, especially for those who can't seem to have enough graphic novels for their patrons." --School Library Journal

"Varner's (Horse Trouble) graphic-novel storytelling is well paced and compelling... A tender story of friendship (human and animal), family, and growing into oneself." -Horn Book Magazine

About the Author

Kristin Varner grew up in Utah, where she fell in love with animals at a young age. Kristin received her degree in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design and has created art for children's books, games, apparel, and toys. Dog Trouble is her second graphic novel, following her debut title with First Second books, Horse Trouble. She lives on a wooded island near Seattle, Washington with her husband, daughter, and one smelly, adorable mutt.