A charming, classic adventure tale about the scary, crazy, and heart-thumpingly joyful plunge into connecting with others

A foxhound has spent her life behind bars, known only by the PZ-5...

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Product Review

A charming, classic adventure tale about the scary, crazy, and heart-thumpingly joyful plunge into connecting with others

A foxhound has spent her life behind bars, known only by the PZ-5934 tatoo in her ear. In this story inspired by the life of a real lab dog, PZ knows nothing but a laboratory cage. She has never even seen the sun. But a superpowered diva ladybug named Dottie changes all that.


The unlikely pair undertake a hilarious and adventurous road trip through civilization and finally find a home with Olivia, a restless, solitary girl, who has secrets of her own. Unexpected adventures await the dog, the girl, and the ladybug, as a shocking, hidden part of their town reveals itself and everyone must sort out when to trust and when to battle.

The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ--lyrical and approachable, with resonant details--has both humor and heart. Although intended for children eight through twelve, its classic unfolding and off-beat characters tickle the fancy of adults as well. It is both an adventure story and a tale with many layers--about overcoming obstacles, mining experience for what matters, and doing what is necessary, though not always desirable, for friendship. Ultimately, it is about the joy of a hard-won connection.

The classic illustrations--with a contemporary edge--reflect this fresh, poignant, wise, and sometimes downright wacky book.

"Not since Kafka has an insect risen to this level of artistic genius."--Dottie


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