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Dog Trouble
From the author of Horse Trouble comes a graphic novel perfect for fans of PAWS and Allergic!
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! He volunteers at the local animal shelter, even though he’s not really a dog person. Dogs slobber! They smell! And the dogs at the shelter bark, bark, and bark. But as Ash bonds with the dogs―especially Cooper, a clever, fun-loving pointer that gives sloppy kisses―he starts to see that maybe his time on Ferncliff Island isn’t a total loss.
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! He volunteers at the local animal shelter, even though he’s not really a dog person. Dogs slobber! They smell! And the dogs at the shelter bark, bark, and bark. But as Ash bonds with the dogs―especially Cooper, a clever, fun-loving pointer that gives sloppy kisses―he starts to see that maybe his time on Ferncliff Island isn’t a total loss.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
1 person is currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Varner
7 books8 followersKristin Varner grew up in the Rocky Mountains of 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. Her debut graphic novel, Horse Trouble (2021), received an American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children Award. Dog Trouble (2024) her second middle grade graphic novel has already received a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Award.
She lives on a wooded island near Seattle, Washington with her husband and daughter and is often distracted while working in her studio by one rambunctious kitty and one big, snoozing dog. When she’s not drawing cute animals in her studio, she’s probably out riding a bike…or a horse!
She lives on a wooded island near Seattle, Washington with her husband and daughter and is often distracted while working in her studio by one rambunctious kitty and one big, snoozing dog. When she’s not drawing cute animals in her studio, she’s probably out riding a bike…or a horse!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 15, 2025
Ash is basically a good kid, but with his father living on a remote island with his new family and his mother absorbed in work and classes, Ash has a lot of time on his hands. Unfortunately, he uses that time to get into trouble. Although a brush with the law is narrowly avoided, his parents decide together that a summer on the island with his father's family is what is needed. Not only will Ash have to deal with his annoying younger step sister, he will have to pick a volunteer job--either the nursing home or the animal rescue center. He picks animals, hoping to work with the cats, but he is designated as dog walker. Over the summer, Ash learns to make peace with himself and his new family, makes a new friend, and learns firsthand the joy of responsibility as well as the gut-wrenching feeling of loss. Varner conveys all of this in an engaging manner with clean, crisp artwork. This book was difficult to put down.
February 5, 2025
5 stars. Ash relegated to divorced dad and stepmom & 7 yo daughter on island away from city and friends during summer break
Don’t read poop chart while eating
Martingale collar - not familiar
Love how ash grows in confidence with the dogs, you just know he will fall in love with one… he also learns to love the island and finds his place in the family with his father.
Great drawings, gentle insertion of dog info, training, humane treatment, etc.
Don’t read poop chart while eating
Martingale collar - not familiar
Love how ash grows in confidence with the dogs, you just know he will fall in love with one… he also learns to love the island and finds his place in the family with his father.
Great drawings, gentle insertion of dog info, training, humane treatment, etc.
October 30, 2024
Dog Trouble is a fantastic graphic novel for middle grades and adults alike!
As a dog lover, this title immediately appealed to me, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. I never expected the need for Kleenex, but alas! Varner's story of Ash and his family dynamics, his friendships, and all of the dogs involved truly touched my heart. I'll be recommending this one to all my readers.
As a dog lover, this title immediately appealed to me, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. I never expected the need for Kleenex, but alas! Varner's story of Ash and his family dynamics, his friendships, and all of the dogs involved truly touched my heart. I'll be recommending this one to all my readers.
September 22, 2025
Dog Trouble is a graphic novel in which the main character Ash goes to live with his dad on Ferncliff Island (I think inspired by Bainbridge Island). He is in a bit of trouble and has to chose a way to volunteer for the summer. He decides on a dog shelter.
Each chapter of the book features a different dog (although we see many of them at different times and other things happen within the chapters).
Ash deals with his stepsister, dealing with difficult animal issues (including loss), making friends and adjusting to a different way of life.
I thought this book shows how students often feel - frustrated, sad, scared and how they might initially deal with those feelings and ways to work through them.
My students are loving it.
Each chapter of the book features a different dog (although we see many of them at different times and other things happen within the chapters).
Ash deals with his stepsister, dealing with difficult animal issues (including loss), making friends and adjusting to a different way of life.
I thought this book shows how students often feel - frustrated, sad, scared and how they might initially deal with those feelings and ways to work through them.
My students are loving it.
August 16, 2024
A two for one! My ten year old was very happy to read Dog Trouble as well and wanted to write a review too.
Ten year old: I liked Dog Trouble because the character had a variety of challenges to face and learned a lot while volunteering at the Dog Shelter. I also liked that he made friends and strengthened relationships in the story through skateboarding. I think for people who like story's about dogs, friendship, family and adventure this graphic novel is for you!
Me:
Kids are going to love this one! It comes out of Oct 29th, 2024. I will be buying several copies.
Thank you to First Second for the opportunity to read this one in advanced of its publication date.
Ten year old: I liked Dog Trouble because the character had a variety of challenges to face and learned a lot while volunteering at the Dog Shelter. I also liked that he made friends and strengthened relationships in the story through skateboarding. I think for people who like story's about dogs, friendship, family and adventure this graphic novel is for you!
Me:
Kids are going to love this one! It comes out of Oct 29th, 2024. I will be buying several copies.
Thank you to First Second for the opportunity to read this one in advanced of its publication date.
June 25, 2024
E ARC provided by Netgalley
**Spoilers**
Ash lives with his mother, a busy nurse who is also taking classes for her CCRN certification, in a large coastal city. This starts with a memory all of us can relate to; having to wait at school for a parent who is running late to pick us up. He doesn't see too much of his father, who lives about an hour away on Ferncliff Island with his new wife Cheryl and her daughter Parker. When Ash makes a bad choice to skateboard with friends in an abandoned warehouse after having some other problems, his mother decides to send him to his father's for the summer. Not only that, but he's required to do community service every weekday. He thinks about going to a senior center, but he still misses his gradfather, who recently passed away. Instead, he ends up at the animal shelter, where the supervisor, Joanna, has him working with dogs, even though he doesn't like them very much. There's a ton of work to do, and Ash uncomplainingly does piles of laundry, updates dog's fecal scoring charts, cleans, posts on social media, and eventually walks dogs. He starts with the dogs who are very well behaved, and takes a liking to one dog, Cooper, who has some behavioral issues because he has been neglected (sound familiar, Ash?). Ash also finds that there is a skateboard park in town, and meets Joanna's young relative Bella there. She introduces him to mountain biking, and the two get along well. Ash likes his step family, but has some small irritations with them. The same is true of work, as well, but he has a positive attitude and starts coming early to work because he enjoys it. He does make some mistakes, like letting a dog off the leash, but Joanna is very understanding, and uses the moments to teach Ash valuable information. She is also good about rewarding his diligence. One afternoon, he takes Cooper on a walk in the woods, carefully keeping him on the leash. He asks his dad if they can adopt Cooper and keep him at the father's house, but the next time he comes to the shelter, Cooper has passed away after suffering a fatal spider bite. Ash is understandably beside himself with grief and guilt. He fights with Bella, but does manage to still be nice to Parker. He has made friends with a man who runs a local restaurant, and when the man gives him a bone for Cooper, as is his wont, Ash is upset, and the man helps him process his emotions a bit. Joann asks for Ash's help with Roxy, a tripod, and shows him that even though things didn't end well with Cooper, he is making a difference in the lives of dogs at the shelter. Ash is able to make up with Bella and make plans for spending more time on the island with his father and his new community.
Strengths: Where to start? First of all, there's skateboarding, which needs to be portrayed a LOT more in middle grade literature. I love that Bella was into the sport, and introduces Ash to mountain biking as well. There's great depictions of family dynamics that are very realistic. Single moms are often overworked, and tweens often get into trouble. A father and hour away might be more distant, even if the relationship is cordial. There is a ton of good information about the work that animal shelters do, and there are notes about a wide variety of activities and terms associated with rescues. The animals' problems are well explained, and I adored how Joanna used things that went wrong to help Ash learn things. I rather hoped that Ash would get to stay on the island, but it's reasonable that he had to go home. The cover on this is fantastic, and I know that this will fly off the shelves like kittens at an adoption event.
Weaknesses: Normally, I would complain about the grandfather dying, as well as Cooper passing away, but these events are both really used to inform Ash's character and are not "soggy" at all. Bad stuff happens, and I think that tweens process bad stuff more like Ash does; there's other stuff to worry about as well, and so even big, sad events aren't necessarily dwelt upon. But yes, Cooper does die.
What I really think: This was really quite brilliant. Do I buy two copies, or three? This might be one of my favorite graphic novels after Tatulli's Short and Skinny, and I am not personally a fan of the format. Readers who enjoyed Lloyd's Allergic or Fairbairn and Assarasakorn PAWS series will definitely want to pick this one up.
**Spoilers**
Ash lives with his mother, a busy nurse who is also taking classes for her CCRN certification, in a large coastal city. This starts with a memory all of us can relate to; having to wait at school for a parent who is running late to pick us up. He doesn't see too much of his father, who lives about an hour away on Ferncliff Island with his new wife Cheryl and her daughter Parker. When Ash makes a bad choice to skateboard with friends in an abandoned warehouse after having some other problems, his mother decides to send him to his father's for the summer. Not only that, but he's required to do community service every weekday. He thinks about going to a senior center, but he still misses his gradfather, who recently passed away. Instead, he ends up at the animal shelter, where the supervisor, Joanna, has him working with dogs, even though he doesn't like them very much. There's a ton of work to do, and Ash uncomplainingly does piles of laundry, updates dog's fecal scoring charts, cleans, posts on social media, and eventually walks dogs. He starts with the dogs who are very well behaved, and takes a liking to one dog, Cooper, who has some behavioral issues because he has been neglected (sound familiar, Ash?). Ash also finds that there is a skateboard park in town, and meets Joanna's young relative Bella there. She introduces him to mountain biking, and the two get along well. Ash likes his step family, but has some small irritations with them. The same is true of work, as well, but he has a positive attitude and starts coming early to work because he enjoys it. He does make some mistakes, like letting a dog off the leash, but Joanna is very understanding, and uses the moments to teach Ash valuable information. She is also good about rewarding his diligence. One afternoon, he takes Cooper on a walk in the woods, carefully keeping him on the leash. He asks his dad if they can adopt Cooper and keep him at the father's house, but the next time he comes to the shelter, Cooper has passed away after suffering a fatal spider bite. Ash is understandably beside himself with grief and guilt. He fights with Bella, but does manage to still be nice to Parker. He has made friends with a man who runs a local restaurant, and when the man gives him a bone for Cooper, as is his wont, Ash is upset, and the man helps him process his emotions a bit. Joann asks for Ash's help with Roxy, a tripod, and shows him that even though things didn't end well with Cooper, he is making a difference in the lives of dogs at the shelter. Ash is able to make up with Bella and make plans for spending more time on the island with his father and his new community.
Strengths: Where to start? First of all, there's skateboarding, which needs to be portrayed a LOT more in middle grade literature. I love that Bella was into the sport, and introduces Ash to mountain biking as well. There's great depictions of family dynamics that are very realistic. Single moms are often overworked, and tweens often get into trouble. A father and hour away might be more distant, even if the relationship is cordial. There is a ton of good information about the work that animal shelters do, and there are notes about a wide variety of activities and terms associated with rescues. The animals' problems are well explained, and I adored how Joanna used things that went wrong to help Ash learn things. I rather hoped that Ash would get to stay on the island, but it's reasonable that he had to go home. The cover on this is fantastic, and I know that this will fly off the shelves like kittens at an adoption event.
Weaknesses: Normally, I would complain about the grandfather dying, as well as Cooper passing away, but these events are both really used to inform Ash's character and are not "soggy" at all. Bad stuff happens, and I think that tweens process bad stuff more like Ash does; there's other stuff to worry about as well, and so even big, sad events aren't necessarily dwelt upon. But yes, Cooper does die.
What I really think: This was really quite brilliant. Do I buy two copies, or three? This might be one of my favorite graphic novels after Tatulli's Short and Skinny, and I am not personally a fan of the format. Readers who enjoyed Lloyd's Allergic or Fairbairn and Assarasakorn PAWS series will definitely want to pick this one up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
Ash Tompkins is a youth who is often unintentionally neglected by his divorced parents. His mom works endlessly between work and school in the city and on occasion Ash spends the weekend at his dad’s home in the woods. When Ash gets into some trouble while skateboarding with his friends, he is sent to spend the summer with his father, his stepmom and stepsister in Ferncliff Island which is accessible only by ferry. Ash spends his summer completing community service as retribution for his juvenile delinquency. Given the choice between working at a retirement home or an animal shelter, he opts for the shelter.
The tasks and duties at the shelter are menial and at times grotesque but also rewarding. Ash enjoys spending time giving the dogs individual attention and taking the them for a walk through the trails and woods. He forms a bond with his supervisor and mentor Jo and her cousin’s daughter Bella, who share a love of skateboarding. Ash becomes sympathetic to the plight of the dogs who were left at the shelter and he is able to connect with the unadoptable dogs due to behavioral issues. Often Ash takes much of a burden on his shoulders when he feels responsible for unfortunate events that occur with the dogs. To me, this shows that Ash would make a responsible and ideal dog owner even at his young age.
I absolutely adored this story. Having worked in dog rescue for over 20 years, I appreciated the scope of dogs that had behavioral issues, some as a result of owner abuse and neglect. The author provided very educational (yes, this word will turn off middle grade readers!) facts regarding dog breeds and dog care (i.e., bones, leash manners, collars, rehab, etc.). These facts are not lectural in nature nor akin to a non-fiction book, but help to move the story along as we learn about individual dogs’ personalities and traits. It was flawless! The pale blue and yellow color template was lovely and the illustrations were perfect, especially all those different dog poses and gestures were perfect! Having read the author’s previous graphic novel, I certainly have added Kristin Varner as one of my “be on the lookout for” authors for future works.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
The tasks and duties at the shelter are menial and at times grotesque but also rewarding. Ash enjoys spending time giving the dogs individual attention and taking the them for a walk through the trails and woods. He forms a bond with his supervisor and mentor Jo and her cousin’s daughter Bella, who share a love of skateboarding. Ash becomes sympathetic to the plight of the dogs who were left at the shelter and he is able to connect with the unadoptable dogs due to behavioral issues. Often Ash takes much of a burden on his shoulders when he feels responsible for unfortunate events that occur with the dogs. To me, this shows that Ash would make a responsible and ideal dog owner even at his young age.
I absolutely adored this story. Having worked in dog rescue for over 20 years, I appreciated the scope of dogs that had behavioral issues, some as a result of owner abuse and neglect. The author provided very educational (yes, this word will turn off middle grade readers!) facts regarding dog breeds and dog care (i.e., bones, leash manners, collars, rehab, etc.). These facts are not lectural in nature nor akin to a non-fiction book, but help to move the story along as we learn about individual dogs’ personalities and traits. It was flawless! The pale blue and yellow color template was lovely and the illustrations were perfect, especially all those different dog poses and gestures were perfect! Having read the author’s previous graphic novel, I certainly have added Kristin Varner as one of my “be on the lookout for” authors for future works.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
October 29, 2024
In Dog Trouble the main character, Ash, is floating between his two parents. His Mom is working full time and going to school and is worried that she won't be able to give him enough attention this summer, especially after he was involved in some vandalism with his friends. She is sending him off to his Dad's for the summer, which is away from friends and anything fun AND he is required to do some community service as a consequence of the vandalism. In addition to his summer volunteering at the dog shelter he gets to deal with his very active 7 year old half sister.
I liked this book on so many levels. The drawing was fun, with a lot of action given to the characters. The pictures were done mostly in shades of blue, with some yellow panels thrown in for strong emotions. Each chapter featured a different type of dog and started with a rundown of the characteristics of the breed and followed up with the personality of the specific dog when they appeared in the story. You also learned quite a bit about dogs in a broader sense - training, socialization, breeding, tools, but in a way that flowed well with the story, so it didn't feel so much like a side note.
Ash himself had a very wide growth arc, with quite a few stumbles along the way. He learns responsibility and consequences through making mistakes and through owning up to them. He goes from being annoyed with his younger sister and not wanting to really be a part of his Dad's new family to finding his place. He is such a relatable character for the target audience and very well done.
I will 100% be buying this for my school's library in my next book order!
I liked this book on so many levels. The drawing was fun, with a lot of action given to the characters. The pictures were done mostly in shades of blue, with some yellow panels thrown in for strong emotions. Each chapter featured a different type of dog and started with a rundown of the characteristics of the breed and followed up with the personality of the specific dog when they appeared in the story. You also learned quite a bit about dogs in a broader sense - training, socialization, breeding, tools, but in a way that flowed well with the story, so it didn't feel so much like a side note.
Ash himself had a very wide growth arc, with quite a few stumbles along the way. He learns responsibility and consequences through making mistakes and through owning up to them. He goes from being annoyed with his younger sister and not wanting to really be a part of his Dad's new family to finding his place. He is such a relatable character for the target audience and very well done.
I will 100% be buying this for my school's library in my next book order!
October 30, 2024
Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In this middle grade graphic novel, Ash lives with his mom who works long hours, is taking classes, and sometimes forgets to pick Ash up from school. One day Ash makes a poor decision to skateboard with friends in an abandoned warehouse. He is caught and must complete community service. Ash chooses to complete it away from his friends while he is at his dad’s home for the summer. Dad, stepmom Cheryl, and stepsister Parker live on Ferncliff Island, about an hour ferry ride from where Ash lives with his mom. He starts his community service at the animal shelter feeding and cleaning up after the dogs and then being trusted to walk them. Ash learns to really enjoy his time with the dogs, writing up histories to get them adopted. When a tragedy occurs, Ash takes it personally, but soon realizes there are others he can help.
I generally don’t read a lot of graphic novels but this one was about dogs, so, yeah. Ash grows a lot during the summer on the island, bonding with his sister and making a new skateboarding friend. I enjoyed the descriptions and traits about each dog, some of them humorous. I would recommend this book for grades 3 and up.
#DogTrouble #NetGalley
In this middle grade graphic novel, Ash lives with his mom who works long hours, is taking classes, and sometimes forgets to pick Ash up from school. One day Ash makes a poor decision to skateboard with friends in an abandoned warehouse. He is caught and must complete community service. Ash chooses to complete it away from his friends while he is at his dad’s home for the summer. Dad, stepmom Cheryl, and stepsister Parker live on Ferncliff Island, about an hour ferry ride from where Ash lives with his mom. He starts his community service at the animal shelter feeding and cleaning up after the dogs and then being trusted to walk them. Ash learns to really enjoy his time with the dogs, writing up histories to get them adopted. When a tragedy occurs, Ash takes it personally, but soon realizes there are others he can help.
I generally don’t read a lot of graphic novels but this one was about dogs, so, yeah. Ash grows a lot during the summer on the island, bonding with his sister and making a new skateboarding friend. I enjoyed the descriptions and traits about each dog, some of them humorous. I would recommend this book for grades 3 and up.
#DogTrouble #NetGalley
April 17, 2025
Ash is a good kid, but he is having some problems at school, so his mom decides it is time for him to take a break from the city and spend time with his Dad on Ferncliff Island. Ash isn't thrilled but accepts his fate and volunteers at the local animal shelter. As Ash begins to bond with the dogs, he also builds better connections with his Dad, stepmom, and stepsister.
I loved so much about the content of this story. Ash is slowly finding a way to connect with his stepmom and stepsister. Everyone is handling it well and giving people space as they need it. I loved seeing a stepmom who was fun, patient, and loving! Meeting different dogs and learning about animal shelters was also a great part of this story. There are cute little tidbits about different dogs throughout the story.
BUT, I can NOT select a book for my book club in which a special dog dies. To make things worse, Ash decides to adopt this special dog, and the dog dies the next day. Making it even worse, the dog died from a black widow spider bite, which Ash is convinced happened while he was with the dog in the woods that day.
The dog's death is when I started skimming this story because I knew I couldn't use it. I want to add that Ash finds another special dog, and the story ends in a happy, hopeful place, but the path to get there was rough.
I loved so much about the content of this story. Ash is slowly finding a way to connect with his stepmom and stepsister. Everyone is handling it well and giving people space as they need it. I loved seeing a stepmom who was fun, patient, and loving! Meeting different dogs and learning about animal shelters was also a great part of this story. There are cute little tidbits about different dogs throughout the story.
BUT, I can NOT select a book for my book club in which a special dog dies. To make things worse, Ash decides to adopt this special dog, and the dog dies the next day. Making it even worse, the dog died from a black widow spider bite, which Ash is convinced happened while he was with the dog in the woods that day.
The dog's death is when I started skimming this story because I knew I couldn't use it. I want to add that Ash finds another special dog, and the story ends in a happy, hopeful place, but the path to get there was rough.
December 18, 2024
3.5 stars
Ash is a pretty good kid overall but he's been having some trouble lately, so he is sent by ferry to spend the summer with his dad on a nice woodsy island instead of staying with his mom in the city. He's annoyed, wondering where he will skateboard and knowing he will miss fun times with his friends and that he'll have to hand out with his pesky little half-sister. In addition, because he got in some trouble, he will need to do some community service. He chooses to serve at a local animal shelter. He gets to know the dogs despite some initial trepidation and even starts to bond with some of them.
Kids who love dogs will love this book - give it to those who love Pawcasso and Allergic. My big issue with this is that there are some pretty serious issues in this book, like the death of his grandfather, that get short shift. Also, the grief when a dog he bonded with got adopted by someone else.
Illustrations are somber toned, shades of blues and grays, with pops of yellow for emphasis.
*Readers from the Seattle area will find the setting very recognizable, even though it is never named.
Ash is a pretty good kid overall but he's been having some trouble lately, so he is sent by ferry to spend the summer with his dad on a nice woodsy island instead of staying with his mom in the city. He's annoyed, wondering where he will skateboard and knowing he will miss fun times with his friends and that he'll have to hand out with his pesky little half-sister. In addition, because he got in some trouble, he will need to do some community service. He chooses to serve at a local animal shelter. He gets to know the dogs despite some initial trepidation and even starts to bond with some of them.
Kids who love dogs will love this book - give it to those who love Pawcasso and Allergic. My big issue with this is that there are some pretty serious issues in this book, like the death of his grandfather, that get short shift. Also, the grief when a dog he bonded with got adopted by someone else.
Illustrations are somber toned, shades of blues and grays, with pops of yellow for emphasis.
*Readers from the Seattle area will find the setting very recognizable, even though it is never named.
October 27, 2024
✨Book Review✨
🐶🐕🦮🐩🐕🦺 Dog Trouble 🐕🦺🐩🦮🐕🐶
Synopsis:
Ash, a good kid at heart + Some Bad Choices = A summer away from the city with his dad on Ferncliff Island where he does community service at the local animal shelter
My thoughts:
🤔 There are lots of great themes throughout this book. I also think that the content is very relevant to today’s middle grade readers. The main character has a lot of tough challenges to overcome, and for that reason, I would recommend it for older middle grade readers.
🤔 The illustrations are visually appealing and very well-done!
🤔 Quite possibly one of my favorite things about this graphic novel is the presentation. At the beginning of each chapter, readers are introduced to a dog who will appear in that chapter. There are also a lot of definitions provided thought out the book to learn about terms related to dogs, animal shelters, and caring for dogs.
📢This one releases October 29, 2024! You can preorder now!
🥰Thank you to First Second @01FirstSecond and @NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
🐶🐕🦮🐩🐕🦺 Dog Trouble 🐕🦺🐩🦮🐕🐶
Synopsis:
Ash, a good kid at heart + Some Bad Choices = A summer away from the city with his dad on Ferncliff Island where he does community service at the local animal shelter
My thoughts:
🤔 There are lots of great themes throughout this book. I also think that the content is very relevant to today’s middle grade readers. The main character has a lot of tough challenges to overcome, and for that reason, I would recommend it for older middle grade readers.
🤔 The illustrations are visually appealing and very well-done!
🤔 Quite possibly one of my favorite things about this graphic novel is the presentation. At the beginning of each chapter, readers are introduced to a dog who will appear in that chapter. There are also a lot of definitions provided thought out the book to learn about terms related to dogs, animal shelters, and caring for dogs.
📢This one releases October 29, 2024! You can preorder now!
🥰Thank you to First Second @01FirstSecond and @NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2024
i bought this for my 11 year old grandson for Christmas as he is a want-to-be dog shelter volunteer and is still too young to do so in all humane societies and rescue organizations in our region. This was a graphic novel about a 13-year-old who is sent to live with his father for a summer on a Pacific Northwest island after getting into trouble (vandalism). One consequence of getting into trouble was that he has to do community service and he chooses to volunteer at the island dog shelter. I loved this story as it gives a realistic picture of the volunteer experience including the kinds of mistakes a volunteer can encounter. It also has a short segment on dog breeds often found in shelters (something my grandson will love). I found this book on a list of books for 11 year olds and I can't wait to give my grandson this gift. Reading is not his favorite activity but I think the graphic novel format and the subject will appeal.
February 11, 2025
Ash lives with his mother, but when he gets into trouble, she decides he should spend the summer on an island with his dad, dad's new wife, and the new wife's daughter. He also has to do community service as part of the penalty for his misdeeds and ends up working at an animal shelter.
All the adults in the story are very understanding and patient--maybe unrealistically so.
Ash learns and grows over the summer. Challenges include hard work at the shelter, making friends, getting along with the stepmother and sister, and dealing with anger and grief.
Much information about dogs and dog care is included in sidebars and also woven into the story.
As graphic novels go, this one has more plot and character development than many.
The illustrations are all in blue tones and white, but the color scheme did not detract.
Tween readers will probably enjoy this story--it includes two favorite features: GN format and dog story!
All the adults in the story are very understanding and patient--maybe unrealistically so.
Ash learns and grows over the summer. Challenges include hard work at the shelter, making friends, getting along with the stepmother and sister, and dealing with anger and grief.
Much information about dogs and dog care is included in sidebars and also woven into the story.
As graphic novels go, this one has more plot and character development than many.
The illustrations are all in blue tones and white, but the color scheme did not detract.
Tween readers will probably enjoy this story--it includes two favorite features: GN format and dog story!
June 22, 2024
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from First Second Books through NetGalley.
This adorable graphic novel covered a variety of topics: having two homes, life changes, volunteering, grief, friends - and dogs! Ash finds himself in some trouble while living in the city with mom. This causes his parents to decide it's time for Ash to spend the entire summer with his dad in the woods on an island and away from his friends. Ash is resistant to this plan because not only does he consider the island boring, but he has to do community service! Choosing the work at the local animal shelter, will the dogs help Ash handle this summer? The artwork is perfect - it captures the dogs and their personalities throughout the book. I also love the definitions of shelter and animal related issues so the reader learns something.
This adorable graphic novel covered a variety of topics: having two homes, life changes, volunteering, grief, friends - and dogs! Ash finds himself in some trouble while living in the city with mom. This causes his parents to decide it's time for Ash to spend the entire summer with his dad in the woods on an island and away from his friends. Ash is resistant to this plan because not only does he consider the island boring, but he has to do community service! Choosing the work at the local animal shelter, will the dogs help Ash handle this summer? The artwork is perfect - it captures the dogs and their personalities throughout the book. I also love the definitions of shelter and animal related issues so the reader learns something.
November 13, 2024
DOG TROUBLE by Kristin Varner is a middle grade graphic novel that follows Ash whose parents are making him perform community service over the Summer. He decides to volunteer at a local animal shelter even though he is not really a dog person.
The first week Ash learned how much work is at the animal shelter. He fed the dogs, washed the bowls, wash, dried and folded the blankets and mopped the floors. Ash was able to walk the calmer dogs and he learns responsibility and consequences of his actions.
Ash grows through this story making friends and finding his place in his family. I liked that in each chapter we learned about a breed of dog and his personality and traits. There are also definitions throughout the chapters related to dog terms. I think any dog lover would enjoy this book.
Thank you @01firstsecond for the #gifted book.
The first week Ash learned how much work is at the animal shelter. He fed the dogs, washed the bowls, wash, dried and folded the blankets and mopped the floors. Ash was able to walk the calmer dogs and he learns responsibility and consequences of his actions.
Ash grows through this story making friends and finding his place in his family. I liked that in each chapter we learned about a breed of dog and his personality and traits. There are also definitions throughout the chapters related to dog terms. I think any dog lover would enjoy this book.
Thank you @01firstsecond for the #gifted book.
November 16, 2024
This is a beautiful story about how sometimes the things that happen to us due to a bad mistake can change our lives. Change can be hard. But what we might initially see as a punishment can if we allow it to help us open our minds to new avenues in life that maybe we didn’t know about before. More importantly it can help us foster relationships and allow us to see ourselves in a different light. That Ash’s journey is not always a straightforward one makes this book very relatable to readers of all ages, which is lovely. I also love all the facts sprinkled in about dogs, or their habits and personalities. This book overall is just lovely and was a joy to read.
Thank you to First Second Books and Netgalley so much for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Thank you to First Second Books and Netgalley so much for allowing me to read an advance copy.
February 11, 2025
Wonderful middle grade graphic novel with a focus on dogs. Rescue dogs, to be exact. Main character Ash gets in trouble, through thoughtlessness but not malice, and gets unofficially sentenced to a summer of community service. Which he decides to serve by volunteering at the animal shelter near his dad's house. While this book is dominated by the lovable and realistic cast of shelter dogs, Ash has plenty more going on in his life. Over the course of this book, he learns to listen to adults more closely, gets better at managing his emotions, and gradually gets closer to his stepsister. The relationship with his stepmother is much more a work in progress, but he's taken some good first steps. But obviously, the dogs are the star of the book.
September 9, 2025
The blurb is correct: this graphic novel is PERFECT for fans of PAWS and Allergic. All the love of dogs, the first-person storytelling for realistic fiction graphic novels, and a clear message that many kids can relate to. I particularly enjoyed the coloring used here, with blue shading, purple for flashbacks, and hints of yellow for emphasis. It's such a unique coloring form and one that helps make the story pop. There are also a lot of definitions included about things within the shelter world!
This is a Reader Selector for the Mark Twain Award in Missouri. There are other graphic novels on the list, so I am withholding judgment on if this should make the list until I read the other graphic novels.
This is a Reader Selector for the Mark Twain Award in Missouri. There are other graphic novels on the list, so I am withholding judgment on if this should make the list until I read the other graphic novels.
October 29, 2024
At first I didn't think I would enjoy this book. It felt like "all the others" about separated/divorced families and the issues that happen. But once we got to see the dogs, the change of the character and started to really "get into it" it was an enjoyable read. There were a few bumps, but overall pleasurable. If you are a dog person this is for you. Though currently available, I read via an online reader, so while I'm assuming the illustrations are mostly finished, all I will say they are simple, but allow for the action to take place. Possible trigger: death of a couple animals but is very respectfully told and shown.
November 3, 2024
Requested this one on NetGalley for my 9-year-old animal lover. He loves all animals, but especially dogs, so this seemed right up his alley. Here are his thoughts:
I think this was a great book. It's funny but also heartwarming. It has a good storyline, very good character development, and I also would recommend this book to animal lovers but mainly dog lovers. I thought the book overall was very interesting. I think all the dogs were very cute. I feel like there should be more books after this since it would be nice to know what happens to the main character but also his dog.
Note: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
I think this was a great book. It's funny but also heartwarming. It has a good storyline, very good character development, and I also would recommend this book to animal lovers but mainly dog lovers. I thought the book overall was very interesting. I think all the dogs were very cute. I feel like there should be more books after this since it would be nice to know what happens to the main character but also his dog.
Note: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
December 11, 2024
This is a great book for any dog lover who is interested in volunteering at their local animal shelter.
I can relate to Ash having two homes and feeling like he doesn’t have a “home” base. You can tell from the beginning that Ash is struggling with his mom working AND doing classes, because he’s acting out.
But overtime and spending the summer with his dad, you can see him come out of his shell more and participate in more things, actually making friends in the woods.
Such a good story and learning tool for animal shelters. I especially enjoyed how some words were highlighted with their definitions at the bottom of the page.
I can relate to Ash having two homes and feeling like he doesn’t have a “home” base. You can tell from the beginning that Ash is struggling with his mom working AND doing classes, because he’s acting out.
But overtime and spending the summer with his dad, you can see him come out of his shell more and participate in more things, actually making friends in the woods.
Such a good story and learning tool for animal shelters. I especially enjoyed how some words were highlighted with their definitions at the bottom of the page.
March 12, 2025
TW: pet death
I really liked how much information was packed into this one! There's a bunch of facts and advice about owning and caring for dogs as well as info about different dog types! I did really like that. I also liked Ash. He was a teenaged boy, of course, but he had such a good heart. He made plenty of mistakes and learned from them when he wasn't blaming himself for them. I liked that he had to learn grief although the death of the dog was a shock to me and I didn't see that coming.
All in all, I liked this one! Very informational but I wish there was a warning about the death of one of the dogs.
I really liked how much information was packed into this one! There's a bunch of facts and advice about owning and caring for dogs as well as info about different dog types! I did really like that. I also liked Ash. He was a teenaged boy, of course, but he had such a good heart. He made plenty of mistakes and learned from them when he wasn't blaming himself for them. I liked that he had to learn grief although the death of the dog was a shock to me and I didn't see that coming.
All in all, I liked this one! Very informational but I wish there was a warning about the death of one of the dogs.
April 17, 2024
I received and ARC of this graphic novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, my goodness. This book! I love absolutely everything about it. It's a testiment to the love and joy that dogs and humans provide for each other, the work of shelters and rescues, the strenth of families, and the power of serving. It's going to be a huge hit with animal lovers-I have a daughter who is going to adore it so much that I will probably pre-order it for her.
Oh, my goodness. This book! I love absolutely everything about it. It's a testiment to the love and joy that dogs and humans provide for each other, the work of shelters and rescues, the strenth of families, and the power of serving. It's going to be a huge hit with animal lovers-I have a daughter who is going to adore it so much that I will probably pre-order it for her.
January 9, 2025
Legitimately… What? Like how is this so amazing? Not only is this middle grade graphic novel full of dogs and set at a dog shelter, but there is a specific pup featured at the beginning of each chapter which highlights a certain breed and personality. And then throughout the book the topics of community service, forgiveness, rehabilitation, grief, and a zillion other themes are highlighted with informational blurbs scattered throughout the story.
May 31, 2025
3 stars (I liked it)
I'm definitely a cat person and not a fan of dogs. I related a lot more with the Ash at the beginning of the story who enjoyed his kitty and didn't love being around dogs. Through his work at an animal shelter, that changes for him. Even though this is unlike me, I was still able to enjoy Ash's journey. This book also deals with divorce/new families. While it's not a new favorite, it would be a good additional to an elementary library collection.
I'm definitely a cat person and not a fan of dogs. I related a lot more with the Ash at the beginning of the story who enjoyed his kitty and didn't love being around dogs. Through his work at an animal shelter, that changes for him. Even though this is unlike me, I was still able to enjoy Ash's journey. This book also deals with divorce/new families. While it's not a new favorite, it would be a good additional to an elementary library collection.
June 3, 2025
Loved this book. The illustrations were great. I loved the use of color to help with the story. The storyline was touching and so relevant to many preteens and young teens. And I loved all the information. Each chapter started with a description about a dog breed and at the end, the author included additional information on dog shelters and getting involved with volunteering. Great book!! Strongly recommend to kids 10 and up.
December 5, 2024
I love dogs, so this graphic novel was right up my alley! I worked at my hometown animal shelter when I was in high school, so it was easy for me to relate to Ash. In my time at the shelter, I dealt with the ups and downs that Ash faced in the story. Any animal lover will love this book! Very well written and educational as well.
March 16, 2025
I loved everything about Dog Trouble. The story flows well, the characters are well-developed, the illustrations are great and there are heaps of dogs with different personalities. There are also plenty of feels! Perfect for dog lovers, especially fans of Remy Lai’s Pawcasso or Megan Wagner Lloyd’s Allergic.
September 17, 2024
Don't let the friendly cover fool you, this graphic novel deals with some pretty heavy topics like divorced families, grief, and loss. A really good story for dog-loving readers and anyone who ever felt they can't shape up after past mistakes.
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