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Pirate Problems: Pet Sitters: Dress Ups #3 A funny junior reader series (ages 5-8) with a sprinkle of Magic
Two pet sitters, One lovesick cat. What could possibly go wrong?Cassie, Lina and Gus are excited to dress up like pirates when they pet sit Trixie the parrot. But when everyone starts to talk like a pirate, the girls know they’ve got a swashbuckling problem – especially with their very first radio interview coming up!
A new laugh-out-loud story from author Ella Shine with purrrrrfectly adorable illustrations by Lisa Flanagan.
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Looking for an engaging, fun junior series with great values, gorgeous characters and hilarious action, with a sprinkling of the unexpected? You've found it.For Pet Sitters stories are written with family car trips in mind, and for shared story times. You’ll find just enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat and silly antics to keep you smiling.
For young You’ll love the very grumpy talking cat and awesome friendship between Lina and Cassie, and you’ll want more of the action and mess.
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Meet the Pet SittersLina has a different animal t-shirt for every day of the week. Living next door to Gus the cat and down the street from her best friend Cassie means its easy to pet sit together. Lina will do her best to make sure everyone stays out of trouble… even Gus.
Gus might look like the grumpiest cat on the block, but if you give him a scratch behind the ears and call him ‘adorable’ he’ll be your friend for life. Gus loves to complain when he thinks he’s not getting enough attention. He might make a fuss, but he always saves the day.
Cassie loves to make things look ‘purrrrfect’. She dances and twirls, and she’ll decorate anything that will stay still long enough. As Lina’s best friend and a Pet Sitter, Cassie’s ‘ready for anything’… even when things don’t go to plan.
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Have you read the other Pet Sitters books? Check out the Ready For Anything
#1 Gus Makes A Fuss
#2 Purple Panic
#3 Tony Takes Off
#4 Glitter Jitters
What animal do you think the girls will pet sit next?
No AI is used in the planning, writing, editing or illustrating for the Pet Sitters series of books.
A new laugh-out-loud story from author Ella Shine with purrrrrfectly adorable illustrations by Lisa Flanagan.
___________________
Looking for an engaging, fun junior series with great values, gorgeous characters and hilarious action, with a sprinkling of the unexpected? You've found it.For Pet Sitters stories are written with family car trips in mind, and for shared story times. You’ll find just enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat and silly antics to keep you smiling.
For young You’ll love the very grumpy talking cat and awesome friendship between Lina and Cassie, and you’ll want more of the action and mess.
____________________
Meet the Pet SittersLina has a different animal t-shirt for every day of the week. Living next door to Gus the cat and down the street from her best friend Cassie means its easy to pet sit together. Lina will do her best to make sure everyone stays out of trouble… even Gus.
Gus might look like the grumpiest cat on the block, but if you give him a scratch behind the ears and call him ‘adorable’ he’ll be your friend for life. Gus loves to complain when he thinks he’s not getting enough attention. He might make a fuss, but he always saves the day.
Cassie loves to make things look ‘purrrrfect’. She dances and twirls, and she’ll decorate anything that will stay still long enough. As Lina’s best friend and a Pet Sitter, Cassie’s ‘ready for anything’… even when things don’t go to plan.
___________________
Have you read the other Pet Sitters books? Check out the Ready For Anything
#1 Gus Makes A Fuss
#2 Purple Panic
#3 Tony Takes Off
#4 Glitter Jitters
What animal do you think the girls will pet sit next?
No AI is used in the planning, writing, editing or illustrating for the Pet Sitters series of books.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
About the author
Ella Shine
9 books15 followersElla Shine LOVES pets of all kinds. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her three cats, four bunnies, parakeet, bearded dragon and an imaginary ant farm for company. When she's not writing stories for children she can be found dreaming up adventures and hunting for the unexpected with at least one of her pets in tow!
(And when she's not doing any of the above, Ella Shine is simply the super fun pen name of two real authors writing books together, chapter by chapter.)
To find out more about the 'true story' behind Ella Shine, visit her website.
(And when she's not doing any of the above, Ella Shine is simply the super fun pen name of two real authors writing books together, chapter by chapter.)
To find out more about the 'true story' behind Ella Shine, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 22, 2026
Every time Cassie and Lina pet sit, strange things happen—and in Pirate Problems, the 7th book of the Pet Sitters series, it’s no different. This time the girls are caring for a parrot named Trixie who talks like a pirate. Strangely, every time Trixie nibbles on someone’s ear, that person’s speech changes into pirate language. All things go crazy when Trixie nibbles Cassie’s ear right before a big interview.
With its silly twist, fast pace, and pirate talk, this book is sure to cause an outbreak of giggles. A fun, clean early reader that’s perfect for ages 5-9—and especially for kids who love all things piratey!
*I received an advance copy of this book from the authors. All opinions are my own.
With its silly twist, fast pace, and pirate talk, this book is sure to cause an outbreak of giggles. A fun, clean early reader that’s perfect for ages 5-9—and especially for kids who love all things piratey!
*I received an advance copy of this book from the authors. All opinions are my own.
Read
April 20, 2026Pirate Problems is an action packed fun adventure. Lina and Cassie are pet sitting Trixie the parrot and getting ready for a very important radio interview. Something strange is happening, people all around them are talking like pirates.
Will Cassie and Lina be able to practice for their interview and can they solve the mystery of the pirate chatter?
Ahoy me hearties! Hoist the mizzen mast and set sail on this animal adventure that sure to bring a smile to all who join the fun. Arrrr
I received an advanced reader copy.
Will Cassie and Lina be able to practice for their interview and can they solve the mystery of the pirate chatter?
Ahoy me hearties! Hoist the mizzen mast and set sail on this animal adventure that sure to bring a smile to all who join the fun. Arrrr
I received an advanced reader copy.
Want to Read
April 22, 2026As a primary school teacher of 20 years, I'm always looking for an early reader book that has a touch of sparkle, and something to keep the pages turning. This story is perfect. Two young girls learning responsibility, along with a talking cat who's disgusted at the thought of pet sitting a parrot. Truly a beautiful read.
There's challenges to face, a wonderful ethical dilema, and all the piratey talk that ye land lubbers could want. Highly recommend.
There's challenges to face, a wonderful ethical dilema, and all the piratey talk that ye land lubbers could want. Highly recommend.
June 2, 2026
Pirate Problems by Ella Shine is the great new addition to the Pet Sitters: Dress Ups series. It’s perfect as an early chapter book, thanks to its short, fast-moving chapters and cute illustrations. It is a great read for kids aged five to nine. The story of Cassie and Lina's troublesome new client, Trixie the parrot, is engaging and entertaining, without being overly complicated for its target readers. Highly recommend for parents, teachers and libraries.
April 22, 2026
Fun. Cute. Funny. Great for kids who are just starting to read chapter books on their own (probably 1st or 2nd grade, but it would depend on the kid's reading level). It engages them quickly. Readers will love the "fierce and fearless" (but primarily funny) cat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
We received an advance review copy from the authors, and we are leaving voluntary, honest reviews.
My 8-year-old son’s review:
It was funny when the parrot nibbles someone’s ear because it makes that person talk like a pirate. I liked how Gus, the cat, thought he was a pirate captain, but he was very grumpy and funny. The pictures are good to look at. I want to read more books by this author because I can’t wait to see what Gus will do next! Because he usually gets himself into a mess. LOL And I wonder what mystery they have to solve.
My review:
I love the cat! He is my favourite. The story would fall apart without the girls--they are important, but I read these books because of the cat!!! And this is another lovely addition to the series that my son and I enjoyed together. FYI, it can work as a standalone, but I'm sure you'll want to read more of Gus the grumpy, funny cat. :)
My thanks to the authors for an early copy.
Both of us rate this as: 4.5 stars
My 8-year-old son’s review:
It was funny when the parrot nibbles someone’s ear because it makes that person talk like a pirate. I liked how Gus, the cat, thought he was a pirate captain, but he was very grumpy and funny. The pictures are good to look at. I want to read more books by this author because I can’t wait to see what Gus will do next! Because he usually gets himself into a mess. LOL And I wonder what mystery they have to solve.
My review:
I love the cat! He is my favourite. The story would fall apart without the girls--they are important, but I read these books because of the cat!!! And this is another lovely addition to the series that my son and I enjoyed together. FYI, it can work as a standalone, but I'm sure you'll want to read more of Gus the grumpy, funny cat. :)
My thanks to the authors for an early copy.
Both of us rate this as: 4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a pre release copy to read with my kids. We had not yet read any of the series, but the book caught us up very quickly and seamlessly. My children (6G & 9B) loved the adventure of Lina and Cass and their friends. They laughed at Gus' antics and once they realised what was causing all the chaos... they were able to anticipate the "uh oh" moments which was fun to watch.
When we finished the story the kids were left excitedly asking, "what happens next?"
And better still, both asked if there are any more books in this series they could read next. And I could say YES!
As a parent, I was relieved to find a kids book that did not swamp my kids with big emotional dramas, meanness, or big themes. (Particularly with girl leads who are nice characters). It was a good story with twists and turns and fun relatable characters.
When we finished the story the kids were left excitedly asking, "what happens next?"
And better still, both asked if there are any more books in this series they could read next. And I could say YES!
As a parent, I was relieved to find a kids book that did not swamp my kids with big emotional dramas, meanness, or big themes. (Particularly with girl leads who are nice characters). It was a good story with twists and turns and fun relatable characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This delightful children’s book features are very fussy talking cat, Gus. And a mischievous troublemaking parrot, Trixie, who talks like a pirate and every time she nibbles someone’s ear causes them to talk like a pirate as well. It gets our pet sitters into trouble as they are scheduled for a important interview with the local radio station, and Trixie nibbles Cassie’s ear just before the interview. Talking like a pirate isn’t really appropriate for a sensible interview. It takes the fussy gut digging deep for courage to save the girls interview.
Recommended for old grandparents to buy for their grandkids, or if you are a librarian pop it in your library and your kids will love reading the story.
This review is because I was given an advanced copy by the author. The opinions are all my own.
Recommended for old grandparents to buy for their grandkids, or if you are a librarian pop it in your library and your kids will love reading the story.
This review is because I was given an advanced copy by the author. The opinions are all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a pre-release copy of this book from the author because I am a fan of this series, and this instalment doesn’t disappoint. It’s everything I expect from the series - a warm hearted and whimsical story with a sprinkling of magic. It has a cosy cast of characters in Lina, Cassie and the grumpy yet loveable Gus, the talking (to them only) cat.
In this book, there is lots of piratey fun as the girls (and Gus) pet sit a parrot and end up talking pirate-speak! Kids will love all the pirate phrases, and repeating them (dare I say parroting them😉) to their parents and friends.
Engaging and surprising, this is a gentle, kind, and fun story.
In this book, there is lots of piratey fun as the girls (and Gus) pet sit a parrot and end up talking pirate-speak! Kids will love all the pirate phrases, and repeating them (dare I say parroting them😉) to their parents and friends.
Engaging and surprising, this is a gentle, kind, and fun story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A review from my eight-year-old daughter (who is a first-time reader of the Pet Sitters series, but is now wanting to read them all!):
“This book is really good. My favourite character was Gus the cat. I liked the story because it is really exciting and it made me laugh – especially when Gus talks like a pirate! I like the girl characters, they are silly and funny, especially when they dress up like pirates. Now I just wish that I had a Parrot like Trixie! I’m so excited to read the other Pet Sitters books.”
“This book is really good. My favourite character was Gus the cat. I liked the story because it is really exciting and it made me laugh – especially when Gus talks like a pirate! I like the girl characters, they are silly and funny, especially when they dress up like pirates. Now I just wish that I had a Parrot like Trixie! I’m so excited to read the other Pet Sitters books.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am new to this series and after thoroughly enjoying the read myself, plan to share others in the Pet Sitters series with kids I know. In a few years, my young grandchildren will be ready to experience all the fun of Pirate Problems and I can just imagine them laughing over all the funny pirate jokes. Well done Ella Shine!
April 22, 2026
This book was an absolute delight to read, and definitely kid friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced story and the hint of magical elements. If you need a book and/or series for younger kids, Pet Sitters is a fun, quick read adults and children alike will enjoy!
May 3, 2026
This fun story had us giggling together on the couch as . A quirky page turner following all the chaos that comes with pet sitting a pirate parrot. We will definitely be reading more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this fun story about a parrot who makes you talk like a pirate when he nibbles your ear.
May 1, 2026
I know it’s not the done thing to be fifty-something and enjoy reading books like this, but it might be the former Prep–2 teacher in me. When I was offered an early read, I couldn’t help myself.
The Pet Sitters series is a carefully crafted and thoughtful read—not to mention incredibly funny!
Gus is my favourite—the humdrum cat who brings a dry wit you don’t often find in children’s books.
The creators work so well together, and this series truly elevates children’s literature in a modern context. Every word feels intentional and adds value to the reader’s experience.
The writing style is accessible while also being subtly educational—a granny who teaches Hindi… wowsers!
I loved the premise of this story, and I dare anyone to read it and not grin from ear to ear at times.
I recommend this title as a clever, fun, and cheeky read that is sure to tempt even the most resistant reader to dive in and want to know what happens. No spoilers here—you’ll have to read it for yourself.
I received an advanced reader copy. This review reflects my own opinions.
The Pet Sitters series is a carefully crafted and thoughtful read—not to mention incredibly funny!
Gus is my favourite—the humdrum cat who brings a dry wit you don’t often find in children’s books.
The creators work so well together, and this series truly elevates children’s literature in a modern context. Every word feels intentional and adds value to the reader’s experience.
The writing style is accessible while also being subtly educational—a granny who teaches Hindi… wowsers!
I loved the premise of this story, and I dare anyone to read it and not grin from ear to ear at times.
I recommend this title as a clever, fun, and cheeky read that is sure to tempt even the most resistant reader to dive in and want to know what happens. No spoilers here—you’ll have to read it for yourself.
I received an advanced reader copy. This review reflects my own opinions.
April 24, 2026
Loved reading this amusing story with my kids. We took it on a holiday with friends and had seven kids under 8 captivated by the funny antics of Gus and the pet-sitters.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews