A Prickly Problem

Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #4

by Jacqueline Kelly

In this fourth book in the illustrated Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet chapter book series, a young Callie Vee tackles a conundrum involving the rambunctious family dog and some very prickly quills

When the Tate family dog, Ajax, has a run-in with a porcupine, things get prickly―and dangerous―quickly. It'll take Callie's quick thinking and doctoring, along with a little help from Dr. Pritzker, to make things right. Will Ajax learn to leave other critters alone?

From Jacqueline Kelly, the author of the acclaimed books, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate, comes a series for younger readers, featuring a smart and spunky heroine and the lushly imagined world of turn-of-the-century Texas.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Dogs, Juvenile, Chapter Books, Animals

112 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2018

About the author

Jacqueline Kelly was born in New Zealand and moved with her parents to western Canada at an early age. She grew up in the dense rain forests of Vancouver Island, so you can imagine her shock some years later when her family moved to the desert of El Paso, Texas. She attended university in El Paso and medical school in Galveston (lovingly known as “Galvatraz” among the inmates). She practiced medicine for many years and then attended the University of Texas School of Law. She practiced law for several more years before realizing that what would really make her happy is to write fiction. Her first published short story appeared in 2001 in the Mississippi Review (one of her proudest accomplishments). Her debut novel, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, was released by Henry Holt on May 12, 2009 (another one of her proudest accomplishments).

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jacque...

Reviews

[Leonard Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth of the Calpurnia Tate chapter book series. They are intended for a younger audience than the Calpurnia Tate novels, but I still wish they had just a little “more” to them, so that older readers and fans of the novels could also enjoy and appreciate them. I think this one is probably the best one yet.

[Sadie Forsythe]

Won this here on GR and read it before passing it on to my kiddies. I found it a sweet little story about a girl who wants to be a vet. I especially liked the narrative style (the way Calpurnia told her story). But I was a bit iffy on the inclusion the poor family that Calpurnia's wealthier family donated to. I suspect that's actually set up for a future book. All in all, I found nothing objectionable enough to prevent me letting my little ones read it.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I'm appreciating about this series is how solid the science is. Calpurnia uses logic effortlessly. The descriptions of animal behavior feel genuine.

[Karine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5. I love books about or with a dog and especially with a strong female character. Calpurnia pushes through her fears in this book when her dog gets hurt by a porcupine, she is defenently a girl vet in waiting. 👍🏻

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

We had gotten the original two books (The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and its sequel) and will NOT be finishing them. I reviewed the first one with some content considerations I wish I had known before my daughter read almost 150 pages.

So it was with a decent amount of trepidation I began skim reading these before clearing them.
Likes: the illustrator, the layout, Travis and his big heart for animals-honestly he's more the desired role model for my daughter than Callie.

Didn't like: Callie and her preference for what her grandfather thinks/science and not respecting her teacher, her mother, others. Negative attitudes toward womanly/home skills (cooking, sewing, etc). Somewhat negative relationship with at least one brother and her mother.
Counting Sheep Book 2: secret keeping;

Who Gives a Hoot? Book 3: pg 12 "bloodthirsty Comanche", pg 28 self name calling "idiot", pg 42 witches scream compared to owl sound, pg 57 "Good Heavens."

A Prickly Problem Book 4: The very first page already had me lowering my opinion of the book with its name calling-big theme about being stupid. The dog and humans. Secret keeping (from her mom) to spare her. Negative attitude toward teacher, name calling multiple times. Her punching the new kid because of his comment about her grandfather being weird and thinking her mean brother and this kid deserved each other.

Not a series I would own, reread, or recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As is the case for so many other readers, I loved the original book that gave birth to this series for younger readers, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, and I've enjoyed the other three books in this series. In this installment, Callie relates a series of anecdotes concerning her father's beloved dog, Ajax, and his misadventures with a porcupine. Not only does the dog get stuck with quills once, but poor old Ajax doesn't learn his lesson the first time around, and he attacks a porcupine and suffers an almost-deadly dose of quills. In fact, Ajax is in such pain that Calpurnia has to find a way to get him to the doctor as quickly as possible. She even manages to remove a quill before the doctor returns to help. Finally, Ajax seems to have learned his lesson after his near-death experience. The text and detailed pen-and-ink illustrations capture the essence of this frightening incident in rural Texas in 1901. Fans of the series will love this one. The only thing I dislike about these stories are that they are so short and leave me wanting so much more.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and though I have not read the other books in this series, it was easy to jump right in and follow along. Calpurnia is a girl who loves to learn. Her grandfather encourages her and teaches her how to use her mind. When her beloved dog, Ajax, is attacked by a porcupine, Calpurnia must step up to the task to save him. She is both brave and clever. Not only is an animal story told here, but also one of compassion and community. Throughout the tale, Calpurnia meets with a girl much less fortunate than herself, and rather than shying away or looking down on the girl, Calpurnia choose to befriend and serve. This part of the story is the most valuable and I appreciate that Kelly has added an aspect of sharing and sacrifice to the book. The illustrations are also superb. I look forward to more of this series.

[Jim Sibigtroth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books in this series are great for read-aloud in 2nd or 3rd grade because they are short enough to read in a few short sessions. I actually liked the two full-length Calpurnia Tate novels a lot better but those are for an older audience (maybe 5th-8th grade). The relationship of the two original Calpurnia Tate novels and this new series of much shorter novels is a little awkward because chronologically the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series takes place after the two original Calpurnia Tate novels but readers can’t really read them in order because of the big difference in the ages of the target audiences. You can read the Vet series alone, but the young readers will not have a very good understanding of Calpernia’s family and grandfather because they would not have read the two original books.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Prickly Problem is an early chapter book in the Evolution of Calpurnia Tate chapter books. This would be a great way to introduce characters to younger readers and they could grown into the older books. The Calpurnia Tate universe is historical fiction in turn of the century Texas. In A Prickly Problem, Calpurnia's dog, Ajex, attacks a porcupine not once, but twice. Calpurnia has to take care of Ajex and learns about how to best pull quills out of a dog. This is a fun, informative series about a spunky girl, her animals, and her families. The illustrations add to the story and make you want to visit Calpurnia and her family in Texas.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calpurnia's dog Ajax is the best bird dog around, but he's certainly not very smart. After chasing a porcupine up a tree and getting a muzzle full of quills, Ajax should have learned his lesson, but when he encounters the porcupine again, Calpurnia may need to practice her vet skills on the family dog.

I love this series so much! Designed for the much younger reader that the original novel, these short illustrated stories are charming, nostalgic and perfect for a bedtime story or a read along.

Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

[Ryann Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade 2-3
This book is a cute and funny introduction into historical fiction.It is a good entertaining way to introduce students to historical fiction without boring them with it not being relatable. This book has many animals in it which may help to keep young readers who love animals engaged. I also love how the family helps out the poor so it would be a good way to teach a lesson about helping those who are less fortunate.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating-3.5
This was a cute book about Callie helping Ajax out with a porcupine. These books are a short fun read and I just wish they were longer, because I absolutely love reading about Calpurnia Tate.

[Lauren Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction
3rd-4th
I found that this book was a quick read. I felt that I was able to get right into the book. I haven't read the other books in the series but this book was easy to follow and understand.

[Faith Elizabeth Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a cut above the usual beginning chapter book. Calpurnia Tate has a strong voice and does brave and interesting things.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly, Jacqueline A Prickly Problem 104 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan) 2018 $16 Content: G.
EL (K-3) ESSENTIAL

https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really like this series- recommend it often to my students.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the original Calpurnia Tate books and these are wonderful follow ups.

[Juju · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice sweet tale. Age appropriate and a quick read.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute little story about Calpurnia. These are quick reads, but I always enjoy sharing them with my 7 year old son.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great books especially for anyone that enjoys Little House on the Prairie style books. A quick easy chapter book with lovely black and white illustrations.

[Kassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun early chapter book by Kelly. Long live Calpurnia!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read. I would like to go back and read the other books in this series, because I liked Calpurnia and how she told her story.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[laristas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for me - 1 for H. I think we're about done with Calpurnia Tate.

[Carla]

Kiddo needed to read a historical fiction book to complete her summer reading bingo for third grade

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Enola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cozy vibes 10/10

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my perspective, this series includes fun, light stories. My inner child takes away some messages and is made to think about things, though. I do enjoy them and plan to read them all.

[Timber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Littles loved this as a read aloud