Illustrated by Emma Patel
Published by Usborne Books
Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem is the first in a gorgeous new illustrated chapter book series, and what a delightfully charming, fun read it is!
After only three days, almost-nine-year-old Pia is already bored of the summer holidays which she is spending between her dad’s new flat and her mum’s terraced home after their recent separation. Pia absolutely adores animals and longs for a pet, something which neither of her parents will allow her to have, despite her best efforts at trying to persuade them.
Pia is busy putting up her pet posters in her bedroom in her Dad’s flat when she hears barking from outside … When she looks out and sees a boy from her year, Hari, in the communal garden with an adorable labrador puppy, she quickly goes to meet him. After helping untangle Hari from his puppy’s lead, he introduces her to both Luna, his six-month old puppy, and his older dog, Basset hound Raja. Friendly and chatty, Hari shares that his mum doesn’t like Luna as she is too disruptive and she has told him he has to train her before his Nani arrives for a visit from India. Hari only has four days left – and the training has not been successful! Luna, who is somewhat an expert in pets, offers to help train Luna and Hari readily agrees.
And so begins a fantastically funny, heart-warming adventure as Luna’s training doesn’t quite go to plan as her exuberant energy leads her, and Pia, into trouble. Pancake chaos, paint mayhem and so many more laugh-out-loud situations. Can Pia and Hari work together to train Luna before his Nani arrives or risk losing her? Can Pia help her other friends with training their pets and even form her own Pet Club?
This is an adventure that both young readers who already have pets, and those who want a pet, will adore as they follow an incredibly likeable young girl, Pia, as she forms new friendships and helps her friends with their pet problems. She understands the responsibility of looking after a pet and takes this seriously by preparing herself for pet ownership through reading about how to look after pets and watching shows about looking after them. She is hopeful that she will one day be allowed a pet and, in the meantime, is happy for her friends who have their own pets, helping them train them. I also really liked the focus on reasons as to why people might be more wary around pets which shows how important it is to be a responsible pet owner, and to offer reassurance to those who are more frightened around pets.
The illustrations throughout are just gorgeous and really complement the humour and warmth in this adventure as well as the strong bonds of family and friendship.
Paw-fect for young readers of 7+ who will be eager to become honorary members of Pia’s Pet Club as they follow her animal adventures in this hilarious, heart-warming series.
Thank you to Georgia at Usborne Books for sending me a copy of Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem. It was my decision to read and review, and my review is my honest opinion.
Book Craic 