About This Book
Reach for this book when your child has entered the obsessed phase of wanting a pet and needs to see their persistence mirrored with humor and warmth. It is a perfect choice for navigating the 'pester power' years while teaching that big rewards often require waiting and responsibility. The story follows Izzy Azumi, a spunky girl who feels her life is incomplete without a canine companion, despite already caring for a goldfish and a tarantula. Along with her friends Judy Moody and Stink, Izzy navigates the highs and lows of yearning for a pet. It is a lighthearted, age-appropriate exploration of longing, patience, and the joy of a surprise. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's intense desires while modeling healthy friendships and family dynamics in a manageable chapter book format.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is secular and focuses on everyday childhood experiences. The primary 'conflict' is the internal tension of wanting something you don't yet have.
Ideal Reader
An early elementary student (grades 1-3) who is a fan of the Judy Moody universe and is currently lobbyng their parents for a pet. It is especially good for a child who enjoys humor and 'to-do lists' or goal-oriented characters.
