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The Pet Washer
From the author of THE GUARDIAN HERD series comes a whimsical tale of friendship, lemonade parties (where everyone wears yellow, including the pets), and adorable animals! First published in 2012, The Pet Washer is Jennifer's indie novel.
What happens when a vacationing princess befriends the local pet washer?
It is spring break! The royal families of the seven kingdoms flock to their second castles on the sleepy island of Windym. Overrun by vacationing princesses, the townsfolk struggle to keep up with their outrageous demands.
Cianna works overtime at The Royal Pet Palace and Day Spa. She is the pet washer. Here, animals are cleaned, massaged, bedazzled, and dyed to match the outfits of their masters. Cianna is popular with the pets because she invents special shampoos, flea treatments, pet foods, and toothpastes to keep them as healthy as they are clean.
Polly owns the finest dresses, the fastest horses, lives in the largest castle, and has the prettiest friends in the seven kingdoms. She is the princess. When Polly discovers the pet washer, she believes she's found the perfect girl to include in her Spring Festival dance performance. But as their unlikely friendship deepens, it ignites jealousy and deceit.
Will Cianna and Polly overcome these challenges, or will the Spring Festival end in disaster?
What happens when a vacationing princess befriends the local pet washer?
It is spring break! The royal families of the seven kingdoms flock to their second castles on the sleepy island of Windym. Overrun by vacationing princesses, the townsfolk struggle to keep up with their outrageous demands.
Cianna works overtime at The Royal Pet Palace and Day Spa. She is the pet washer. Here, animals are cleaned, massaged, bedazzled, and dyed to match the outfits of their masters. Cianna is popular with the pets because she invents special shampoos, flea treatments, pet foods, and toothpastes to keep them as healthy as they are clean.
Polly owns the finest dresses, the fastest horses, lives in the largest castle, and has the prettiest friends in the seven kingdoms. She is the princess. When Polly discovers the pet washer, she believes she's found the perfect girl to include in her Spring Festival dance performance. But as their unlikely friendship deepens, it ignites jealousy and deceit.
Will Cianna and Polly overcome these challenges, or will the Spring Festival end in disaster?
180 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
1807 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
14 books511 followersI am the author of two thrillers, FRIENDS LIKE THESE and LIES LIKE WILDFIRE from Delacorte Press. I also write middle-grade fantasy stories, THE GUARDIAN HERD and RIDERS OF THE REALM from HarperCollins Children's Books. THE PET WASHER is my indie novel.
Praise for LIES LIKE WILDFIRE
"Consider this a must-have thriller." School Library Journal
"Five Fiery Stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller." NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake
"Twisty and fast-paced and visceral. I couldn't put this one down." KATIE COTUGNO, New York Timesbestselling author of 99 Days
"A twisty, fast-paced thriller about accountability, guilt, jealousy, and survival." Kirkus
Praise for The Guardian Herd Series
“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” School Library Journal
“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer." Publishers Weekly
"The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd." Booklist
"This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling." Kirkus Reviews
“From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.” (Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series)
Praise for LIES LIKE WILDFIRE
"Consider this a must-have thriller." School Library Journal
"Five Fiery Stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller." NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake
"Twisty and fast-paced and visceral. I couldn't put this one down." KATIE COTUGNO, New York Timesbestselling author of 99 Days
"A twisty, fast-paced thriller about accountability, guilt, jealousy, and survival." Kirkus
Praise for The Guardian Herd Series
“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” School Library Journal
“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer." Publishers Weekly
"The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd." Booklist
"This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling." Kirkus Reviews
“From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.” (Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Want to read
March 10, 2012I enjoy reading a great book, but I LOVE winning a book most of all. What better gift can we receive than a story to take us away for a spell? I'm looking forward to reading this to the children in my life. Thank you so much; I will share it with my little, special people. :0)
Currently reading
April 18, 2017I wrote this long before the GUARDIAN HERD series. It's my indie novel and very special to me. If you read it and you like it, please let me know!
July 13, 2012
The Pet Washer
By Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
202 pages – ages 9+
Published by Dreamcatcher Books on December 2, 2011
Cianna was a pet washer at the Pet Palace and Day Spa on Windym, an island where all the Royal families vacationed during the Spring. She was the best pet washer on the island, even though she was born blind. Cianna was super busy at work because all the princesses and princes wanted their pets to look their best while they were on vacation. One day, Princess Polly, who was vacationing with her family on Windym, saw Cianna and realized she was a perfect replacement for a sick princess in a dance she and the other princesses were planning. Cianna wasn’t sure she would fit in with all the other Princesses or be able to dance well. After a sleep-over at Polly’s family’s castle and a recital with the princesses, Cianna goes to her work and has a terrible thing happen to her, she gets suspended from work after someone switched hair remover for pet shampoo! Now, she can practice for the dance all she wants but she knows her work and the pets needs her.
This is the kind of book I wouldn’t normally pick up (princesses, pet spas – not really my favorite topics), but I read the description of it on Sue Morris’ blog – Kid Lit Reviews and she recommended it. Well, I really enjoyed this book! I really cared about what happened to Cianna. I loved Cianna’s ”never-give-up” attitude. Ms. Alvarez described the setting of Windym really well, I really felt like I was there and could see everything that was happening! I also really like the cover art. I know my description of the plot of the book makes it sound like a total “girl” book, but I think it is really a great book about friendship, opening your heart and eyes to other people and accepting yourself for who you are. I think boys would like the book too! I recommend it to kids 9+ and young advanced readers.
By Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
202 pages – ages 9+
Published by Dreamcatcher Books on December 2, 2011
Cianna was a pet washer at the Pet Palace and Day Spa on Windym, an island where all the Royal families vacationed during the Spring. She was the best pet washer on the island, even though she was born blind. Cianna was super busy at work because all the princesses and princes wanted their pets to look their best while they were on vacation. One day, Princess Polly, who was vacationing with her family on Windym, saw Cianna and realized she was a perfect replacement for a sick princess in a dance she and the other princesses were planning. Cianna wasn’t sure she would fit in with all the other Princesses or be able to dance well. After a sleep-over at Polly’s family’s castle and a recital with the princesses, Cianna goes to her work and has a terrible thing happen to her, she gets suspended from work after someone switched hair remover for pet shampoo! Now, she can practice for the dance all she wants but she knows her work and the pets needs her.
This is the kind of book I wouldn’t normally pick up (princesses, pet spas – not really my favorite topics), but I read the description of it on Sue Morris’ blog – Kid Lit Reviews and she recommended it. Well, I really enjoyed this book! I really cared about what happened to Cianna. I loved Cianna’s ”never-give-up” attitude. Ms. Alvarez described the setting of Windym really well, I really felt like I was there and could see everything that was happening! I also really like the cover art. I know my description of the plot of the book makes it sound like a total “girl” book, but I think it is really a great book about friendship, opening your heart and eyes to other people and accepting yourself for who you are. I think boys would like the book too! I recommend it to kids 9+ and young advanced readers.
April 24, 2012
The Pet Washer by Jennifer Lynn Alverez is an incredible tale of an unlikely friendship that will forever change many lives.
Each year royal families travel to their vacation castles on the island of Windym. The townspeople are kept very busy catering to the princesses and their families. Polly, a very spoiled princess, who prides herself on being a collector of things, is performing in the Spring Dance. She soon discovers that the princess with red hair has the pox and won't be able to dance. This ruins Polly's "collection" of princesses and she sets out on a quest to find anyone with red hair to replace the sick princess. When Polly discovers Cianna, a red-headed, blind, local girl who works hard pampering pets at the Royal Pet Palace and Day Spa, she simply must have her for her performance at the Spring Dance. Cianna is swept up in the whirlwind adventure and is soon staying with Polly and her family in their vacation castle. Cianna, whose father was lost at sea, loves being a part of a family and Polly's parents make her feel welcome. Polly and Cianna soon become close friends, even though their perspective on life couldn't be greater. Cianna, works hard to learn the dance and Polly is pleased, but not all of the princesses accept Cianna and when the sick princess becomes well they urge Polly to replace Cianna. Overhearing the princesses, Cianna is hurt and confused and flees the castle. Will Polly learn what it means to be a true friend? Read The Pet Washer to find out.
The Pet Washer not only teaches an important lesson in friendship, but it also reminds readers that sometimes people who can see are blind to the world around them and how their actions effect others.
Each year royal families travel to their vacation castles on the island of Windym. The townspeople are kept very busy catering to the princesses and their families. Polly, a very spoiled princess, who prides herself on being a collector of things, is performing in the Spring Dance. She soon discovers that the princess with red hair has the pox and won't be able to dance. This ruins Polly's "collection" of princesses and she sets out on a quest to find anyone with red hair to replace the sick princess. When Polly discovers Cianna, a red-headed, blind, local girl who works hard pampering pets at the Royal Pet Palace and Day Spa, she simply must have her for her performance at the Spring Dance. Cianna is swept up in the whirlwind adventure and is soon staying with Polly and her family in their vacation castle. Cianna, whose father was lost at sea, loves being a part of a family and Polly's parents make her feel welcome. Polly and Cianna soon become close friends, even though their perspective on life couldn't be greater. Cianna, works hard to learn the dance and Polly is pleased, but not all of the princesses accept Cianna and when the sick princess becomes well they urge Polly to replace Cianna. Overhearing the princesses, Cianna is hurt and confused and flees the castle. Will Polly learn what it means to be a true friend? Read The Pet Washer to find out.
The Pet Washer not only teaches an important lesson in friendship, but it also reminds readers that sometimes people who can see are blind to the world around them and how their actions effect others.
January 4, 2022
An amazing story told with benevolence and grace, The Pet Washer is a timeless tale of true friendship for the young and the young-at-heart.
Alvarez weaves a modern fairy tale of grit and determination of an unlikely heroine whose tender heart will capture readers and hold their attention long after The End.
Cianna is a renowned pet washer, known for her ability to clean pets with her homemade soaps and grains. Although she is blind and an orphan, she lives each day with optimism. Her love for each animal she tends is infectious.
When Princess Polly cannot find another princess to replace the sick Princess Mirabel in the Spring Festival dance, she chooses Cianna because her dark red hair matches the color scheme of the dance. But when Mirabel recovers before the big day, Cianna is no longer needed.
Will Cianna be able to forgive the princesses who have befriended her for selfish reasons? And will she still be able to attend the Spring Festival? Read The Pet Washer to find out.
Alvarez weaves a modern fairy tale of grit and determination of an unlikely heroine whose tender heart will capture readers and hold their attention long after The End.
Cianna is a renowned pet washer, known for her ability to clean pets with her homemade soaps and grains. Although she is blind and an orphan, she lives each day with optimism. Her love for each animal she tends is infectious.
When Princess Polly cannot find another princess to replace the sick Princess Mirabel in the Spring Festival dance, she chooses Cianna because her dark red hair matches the color scheme of the dance. But when Mirabel recovers before the big day, Cianna is no longer needed.
Will Cianna be able to forgive the princesses who have befriended her for selfish reasons? And will she still be able to attend the Spring Festival? Read The Pet Washer to find out.
August 16, 2012
This what I like about the pet washer, Two girls are become friends but one girl is a Princess her name is Princess Polly the other girl's name is Cianna who is a town girl and Cianna is blind. Then one day one of the other Princess that got sick her name is Mirabel. Cianna is blind she can go everywhere and know she is going, so Princess Polly was being like a friend but only for a little bit, but the day before the Spring Dance Princess Mirabel took her spot back. Cianna was upset and she felt bad so she ran away, the next day when the Caden woke up he saw Gildon out of his stall and he was worried about Cianna so he ask the Queen to she if she can find Cianna, the queen yelled for her Princess Polly to come to ask where is Cianna Polly said she don't know were she is, but she said she ran away, ~~~~ a little while latter the queen find Cianna and ask what happen to her Cianna said she didn't want to say, then at the end of the book they are had fun.
March 30, 2013
I received this book from the author.
Here is a story that not only has wonderful characters it creates a world of princesses, pampered pets and delivers a very sweet moral that every young girl should learn. I was transported to a world where a young girl has come to terms with her lot in life of being an orphaned blind girl. Instead of wallowing away in misery, she finds a job, creates her own line of pet care items and has an apartment of her very own. Although in reality a 14 year old girl would not have her own place, in this world it is very normal. Her life is turned around one day when the simplest thing like the color of her hair opens a door into a royal life where a princess offers her a chance of a lifetime. Definitely an endearing story and one that I know I can't wait to share with my daughters.
Here is a story that not only has wonderful characters it creates a world of princesses, pampered pets and delivers a very sweet moral that every young girl should learn. I was transported to a world where a young girl has come to terms with her lot in life of being an orphaned blind girl. Instead of wallowing away in misery, she finds a job, creates her own line of pet care items and has an apartment of her very own. Although in reality a 14 year old girl would not have her own place, in this world it is very normal. Her life is turned around one day when the simplest thing like the color of her hair opens a door into a royal life where a princess offers her a chance of a lifetime. Definitely an endearing story and one that I know I can't wait to share with my daughters.
December 2, 2012
What a delightful story. The premise is simple, because your beautiful and in a position of power, does that allow you to do and say as you like. The pet washer is beautiful but she has no power, as a matter of fact she can’t even see, yet manages to see beyond that which sight would allow and thus begins a tale of lessons learned and hard work paying off.
This is not a normal fairytale.
This is a story with a happy ending but one where all involved had to work for what they accomplish and that makes it totally unique and a delight to read.
I recommend this book to all who loves to read and gives it an easy 5 * rating.
WaAr
This is not a normal fairytale.
This is a story with a happy ending but one where all involved had to work for what they accomplish and that makes it totally unique and a delight to read.
I recommend this book to all who loves to read and gives it an easy 5 * rating.
WaAr
September 20, 2012
I'm STUNNED at how much I liked The Pet Washer. A heady mix of medieval epic fantasy (King, Queens, castles, balls, small cities) and contemporary chic lit with an unusual twist. It's a quite odd story...perhaps a better word would be 'unique'. I've never seen a fantasy setting, outside of contemporary/chic lit, with such a wholely modern occupation. Such a fun read!
January 31, 2013
I love a good story and this one is beautifully told. The main character, Cianna, is blind, immediately giving this story something different as the reader views the world from Cianna's point of view, giving her perspective on a world dominated by greed, wealth and appearances. This book received my 5* rating as I would recommend it and look forward to reading it again.
February 3, 2013
I couldn't sleep last night so I got my kindle out and thought I would start this book. I was able to finish it in a very short amount of time, as it was captivating. It was a cute story with a good moral lesson to it, and I would recommend it to preteen girls.
February 14, 2012
I am loving this book. I like "seeing" the world through a confident and intelligent blind girl's eyes. It feel empowering.
Cheers
Heather
Cheers
Heather
Want to read
March 7, 2012I bet my daughter would love this :)
Want to read
July 26, 2012My daughter would love this ,I hope I win:)
April 3, 2023
A humble blind girl named Cianna works as a washer for royal pets. After meeting with one of the most popular (and spoiled) princesses, her entire world is thrown upside down. She learns many new things, like dancing, riding a horse, falling in love, and living like royalty.
I loved reading this book when I was in middle school and even did an art project based on it. I think this book is new and exciting. The plot doesn't follow the classic "princess gets a happily ever after" trope and it's pretty cool. I like how real Cianna's blindness is, using her own make-shift braille makes this book realistic and fun.
My only complaint is Polly's character. Getting Cianna in trouble with her job, forcing her to join the dance, and giving her the worst clothes/jewels that she owns. Polly is meant to be very spoiled and selfish, yet sometimes she comes across as somewhat malicious with intent. Not my favorite person
This is a great book for younger readers, I read it in elementary and middle school. A short fun read. 5/5
I loved reading this book when I was in middle school and even did an art project based on it. I think this book is new and exciting. The plot doesn't follow the classic "princess gets a happily ever after" trope and it's pretty cool. I like how real Cianna's blindness is, using her own make-shift braille makes this book realistic and fun.
My only complaint is Polly's character. Getting Cianna in trouble with her job, forcing her to join the dance, and giving her the worst clothes/jewels that she owns. Polly is meant to be very spoiled and selfish, yet sometimes she comes across as somewhat malicious with intent. Not my favorite person
This is a great book for younger readers, I read it in elementary and middle school. A short fun read. 5/5
December 16, 2017
"The Pet Washer" takes place in Windym, where the royals from seven kingdoms summer together. Princess Polly is planning a ballet with other select princesses, each one with a different color hair. When the dark red haired princess falls ill, Polly needs to find a replacement.
Cianna is the best pet washer in Windym- and she also has the desired hair color. Polly befriends her and brings her to the castles. Cianna's life is forever changed.
Overall, it was a cute story, good for middle grade readers who love princesses. I think there's supposed to be a moral in there with Cianna being blind but "seeing" the most, but it doesn't quite come through in my opinion. The writing is pretty good, although there are grammatical errors throughout. It's a pretty short but cute read!
Please note that I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
Cianna is the best pet washer in Windym- and she also has the desired hair color. Polly befriends her and brings her to the castles. Cianna's life is forever changed.
Overall, it was a cute story, good for middle grade readers who love princesses. I think there's supposed to be a moral in there with Cianna being blind but "seeing" the most, but it doesn't quite come through in my opinion. The writing is pretty good, although there are grammatical errors throughout. It's a pretty short but cute read!
Please note that I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2018
Amazing!!! It's very girly, but it's also a refreshing break to just let yourself enjoy a story full of fashion, horses, and dancing.
A good read for girls anywhere from age eight to sixteen.
A good read for girls anywhere from age eight to sixteen.
October 5, 2020
My daughter loved this book and I enjoyed it too. It brings up several social issues that we discussed within the context of well-meaning characters who don’t always make the best choices.
February 23, 2022
Excellent book!!!
August 24, 2022
This was such a quick fun read! I loves the ending. It was perfect.
dnf
October 6, 2012I didn't get more than 3 pages into this vacuous book. At least I got it free for kindle.
Read
November 25, 2014I think this is the perfect book for my daughters!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews