Izzy’s Tail of Trouble

In this sequel to Izzy in the Doghouse, Rollo, the puppy given to Isabel to comfort her in her mother’s absences, has become a teenager in doggy years. He is still adorable, but his behavior is appalling. He climbs on furniture, steals food, ruins Rosa’s new blouse, chases squirrels and spills paint everywhere, each disaster creating problems for Izzy and her best friend, Zoe. Izzy suspects her mother is planning to send Rollo away because of his naughtiness, and she packs her bag prepared to leave with him. Fortunately, the plan is for obedience school which becomes a further source of humorous mishaps and adventures.

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. Izzy’s Tail of Trouble