Izzy’s Tail of Trouble

Book two in the Izzy series by Caroline Adderson and Kelly Collier Izzy’s Tail of Trouble has Rollo in some hot water!

Izzy and Zoë are loving playing with Rollo. He’s such a good puppy and when Zoë’s brother Lionel plays Baby Stealer with them, they have the best time. Unfortunately, as it is in life, Lionel is growing up and getting zits and Rollo is growing up too and is no longer a baby. When Rollo begins to get destructive, Izzy and her mom have some decisions to make.

Once again Izzy had us laughing our heads off. Caroline Adderson writes the most charming stories. Izzy is a a perfectly imperfect character, very extroverted and stubborn which I love. So many readers will identify with Izzy and her feelings. I also appreciated how this book reflected on growing up through Lionel. Lionel is getting zits but he’s also withdrawn from playing with Izzy and Zoë, much like readers with older siblings. It’s a great first introduction and a way into conversations about puberty and changes in our feelings and bodies.

Rollo is such a treat in the story. Many readers probably got pets over the lockdowns we experienced the last few years. Rollo’s rambunctiousness would be very familiar and I appreciated how Izzy took the lead on Rollo’s training. She was understanding, gentle and even tried out her techniques on Lionel!

Kelly Collier’s illustrations are once again super engaging and interesting. For early chapter book readers, engaging illustrations are so important to help them through the story. Kelly Collier adds her signature humour to the illustrations creating a fun reading experience.