Gabby Gets It Together

Three friends, Gabby, Priya and Mindy, love pets. They each dream of owning a pet, but, for various reasons, none of them is allowed to have a pet. Wanting to get close to animals, they try to volunteer at animal shelters but are too young; they try to help out in a veterinary clinic but are too emotional about the sick pets; they try to rescue random stray animals but don’t find any. They are desperate to get close to animals until, one day, quite by chance, they find themselves walking a dog. The woman pays them $10.00, and the girls realize they have the making of a business! They hang up fliers and soon have many dogs! Unfortunately, other commitments, like soccer and cross-country training and other things, begin to get in the way, and the girls begin bickering among themselves.

This graphic novel is a warm-hearted story of three middle school friends who embark on a business venture, thinking only of the joy of walking dogs and the money they will earn. Gabby seems to be the most committed to the dogs and the business. Priya likes the idea, but, because she has so many other interests that pull her away from the business, she isn’t always available to help walk the dogs. Mindy isn’t always reliable and won’t wear the special outfits the girls have put together for their business uniform because it’s not up to Mindy’s standards of what a ‘cool’ kid would wear.

The girls are suddenly facing real life situations and responsibilities, and, instead of talking things through, they fight and argue among themselves. Feelings are hurt. Gabby, being only in grade five, feels like she is often ignored and unheard and is being taken for granted by the other two. Priya feels guilty about being so involved in sporting events that pull her away from the business, and Mindy is becoming obsessed with making more money. Soon Gabby finds herself trying to walk ALL the dogs alone, and it is a disaster! Can the friends turn things around before they ruin their friendship and their business?

Gabby Gets It Together is a story of friendship and how three young friends solve their problems. Lessons are learned on all sides. The author has done a very good job of making the girls’ problems and their dialogue realistic. The illustrations are warm and colourful and fit the story perfectly. It looks like a sequel will be added to this story, and I am eager to read it. I recommend this book to those who enjoy graphic novels and/or pets but also to any reader who wants to read a good story about the value of friendships, making commitments, and getting along.