Dog Trouble - by Kristin Varner

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 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. That's bad enough, but his parents are also making him do community service at the local animal shelter! Ash isn't a dog person, but as he bonds with the pups at the shelter--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.

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.