Izzy’s Tail of Trouble

Isabel and Rollo are back … but, who’s in the doghouse now?

Isabel’s dog, Rollo — “the cutest, funniest puppy” — just doesn’t seem like himself lately. Besides not fitting into her best friend Zoë’s doll clothes anymore, he’s become much harder to handle. Like when he pulls away from both girls to chase a squirrel — then keeps running! Or when he eats everyone’s ice cream right off the table! Sure, Isabel bent the rules (or, um, had no rules?) for Rollo when he was a baby. But now he’s a teenager — and he’s out of control!! Is there a cure for this?

Buy Izzy’s Tail of Trouble at Amazon.ca or find a local bookstore.

Publishers’ link: Kids Can Press

Praise for Izzy’s Tail of Trouble

“Izzy and her pup are back and facing new challenges in this silly sequel to Izzy in the Doghouse. Izzy and her friend Zoe love to play pretend with Rolo the dog, forcing him into baby clothes and pushing him around in the stroller. They love ­waiting for Zoe’s big brother Lionel to pop out and play “Baby Stealer” so they can chase him all around. But things are changing: ­suddenly Rolo is getting too big and too strong to play “baby” anymore, choosing instead to pull on the leash and chase squirrels. Lionel is suddenly too cool to play with them, choosing instead to mope around in a bad mood. Zoe says ­Lionel is a teenager now, which makes Izzy wonder if Rolo could be a teenager, too! This funny, thoughtful tale successfully evokes the mix of emotions that come from ­growing up and facing changes, whether or not you are ready for them. ­Adderson adeptly weaves a positive message about perseverance into the antics of Izzy and Rolo, while Collier’s illustrations ­capture the zaniness and heart of the characters. VERDICT: A gentle tale for dog lovers and newly confident readers alike. Recommended for purchase where beginning chapter book series are popular.

—School Library Journal

“Izzy and her friend Zoe are identifiable characters, both demonstrating the exuberance and energy of their age. Zoe’s teenage brother, Lionel, is also a recognizable personality who, like Rollo, is moving into adolescence and exhibiting some humorous and realistic parallel behaviors. Isabel is now a happier, more adjusted, character thanks to Rollo. However, his misbehavior provides for an action-packed plot and many adventures and new reasons for the friends to get into trouble. Despite this, their love and affection for Rollo never waiver. Nor does the support between Izzy and her mother in this non-traditional family ever lessen.

With its brief chapters, abundant humor, direct writing style and easy to read layout, the many adventures will appeal to new readers aged 6-9, but the book would also make a good read-aloud. The story is augmented by digitally created art-work that captures the emotions of the story in whimsical, expressive black and white cartoon-style illustrations. Highly Recommended. “

—Canadian Materials

“Isabel, known to her friends and family as Izzy, loves to play with her dog Rollo. He is not a very big dog, so she and her friend Zoe can dress him up in doll clothes and pretend he is their baby. The fun usually starts when they take Rollo out in the stroller and brother Lionel tries to sneak in and steal the baby. Lately, though, Lionel just mopes around the house and ignores his sister. Mom says it is because Lionel is becoming a teenager and that he is in for a lot of changes that they will have to accept. Izzy wonders if dogs can be teenagers too since Rollo has been acting weird lately, preferring to sleep rather than play dress up. The author employs themes of loyalty, sibling rivalry, pets, responsibility, and family in this latest tale about Izzy. Elementary readers will enjoy this new story from Adderson’s likeable characters. This story, illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings, is also a suitable title for middle school reluctant readers. 5/5”

—Children’s Literature