Dart and the Squirrels

by Nicole Izmaylov

Name’s Dart—short for d’Artagnan. You may not think much of a grizzled old German Shepherd with a torn ear and a nasty bite, but, trust me, when you’ve spent your whole life dogging it out in the pound, you learn appearances can be deceiving. I mean, just look at that squirrel. Nutty, crazy, you name it. If that sly squirrel isn’t chewing up Banshee’s homework and blaming me, she’s stealing my food, following me around the house, stealing my food, biting my tail, and, did I mention the worst part, stealing my food! This is outrageous! A proud purebred—okay, semi-purebred—German Shepherd such as myself can’t stand for this! I’ll sit. Hey, since you’re here, why don’t you listen up to my complaints? All my doggy pals like them—and their reviews are a little “ruff.”

1st Place Winner of the Forward National Literature Award

Genres: Childrens

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2011

Reviews

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful age appropriate read! And with age appropriate I mean all ages. Well done.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dart and the Squirrels

Author: Nicole Izmaylov
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Told by Dart: with some help from Fran

Life as a dog is not easy according to one German shepherd named Dar. Dealing with humans can be stressful because they (of course they’re wrong) think that dogs do not understand what they are saying. They control their movements, what they eat, and even decide when to embarrass them by taking them to school for Show and Tell. But: I am getting ahead of myself. I bet you’re wondering whose writing this review of author Nicole Izmaylov’s book “Dart and the Squirrels.” Well: From this point on it’s going to be me DART! Who better to tell you the story, the hidden
truth about life with this weird and zany family than the dog-living it- ME! Of course author and reviewer Fran Lewis has been kind enough to type it for me since I do not have access to a computer.

How did this all happen? I was a dog living at the local pound when these five people came in, looked us all over and chose me. Imagine that! After haggling and discussing it with the owner of the pound, the sale was made and I thought free. WRONG! My first stop was the vet’s office. I know humans hate checkups- what about dogs? Next, they sent me for a short stint to obedience school. My owner, that’s the Dad, did not like the trainer and the whole experience was totally aggravating and humiliating to me. Then, they stuffed me into a care, put me in the back seat of their car and homeward bound. So, how did I wind up in Charlie’s classroom? Find out by reading it yourself. You will not believe what happens to the poor substitute teacher and where Charlie winds up.

I bet you’re wondering what the story has to do with squirrels. I am coming to it now. After the short tornado that rocked the community and caused a tree to fall down in our living room this poor squirrel had nowhere else to go but into our lives. This family thought it might be fun to adopt this pesky pet. Wait until you see what happens next. You will not believe it. Someone comes to fix the hole in the house. They name the poor squirrel Emilia Vuvuzela Scribe and they convince me that I am special. But, Emilia likes to create mischief and annoy poor me all the time. She messes with the chess set, eats Charlie’s homework, and does everything in her power to get me poor Dart in trouble. Trying to converse with a squirrel is impossible. Getting blamed for eating the homework, scaring dear Emilia not fair! Explaining myself fell on deaf human ears. Poor me: I get punished and placed outside to sleep. What could be worse? Banshee, that’s one of the kids, loves talking to me as if she is starring in a Shakespearean play. Then things began to change. I love eating the scraps of the omelets that fall under the table. But, I cannot live here anymore with this pesky miserable squirrel. I formulate a plan that I hope will work. First, I have to find a way to LEAVE! Then I must drive this squirrels nuts and finally RUN! Well part one almost works. I get out and find my way to this man I called Beefy’s house hoping to hang out there for a while. What happens is hilarious and I do not want to ruin your fun. So read it for yourself, you will be doubled over. It’s too funny. But, my final step is to drive that squirrel crazy. How I do it remains to be seen. Just when I thought things could not get any worse along comes another squirrel who is definitely star struck with our Emilia. This squirrel understands Canish and we begin to communicate with each other, as I understand his language too. I definitely think he comes form another time period. No matter how he tries I do not want to be friends or help him with his scheme to rescue dear Emilia. The banter between the animals helps the reader enter the minds of these 2 adorable creatures with distinct personalities. One who is trying to find his place with this family and other who wants in? Will they team up to save Emilia from sadness and depression? This squirrel ahs a voice that we hear as he expresses his feelings for Emilia and wants our Dart Onion to help him out. But, will I? The truth is I can’t stand him and I really hate getting in trouble all the time. To make matters worse the Dad finds me in my new home or hiding place. He and Beefy argue and out I go back to where I came from. What is really wrong with poor Emilia?

The kids are getting reading for school and Emilia seems sad. The novelty of having a squirrel as a pet seems to have worn off. As the holiday season approaches this family celebrates it in quite a unique way. Imagine getting dressed in costumes, even me for a New Years Party. How humiliating? But, I am going to find a way to make my Santa outfit, yes you read it right, work for me and maybe help two squirrels. Emilia wants out. But, does she really want to leave or does she like the other squirrel? Do they speak they same language? What happens next will endear you to our favorite German shepherd named Dart. How does our Santa Dart help the two star crossed squirrel’s. Will I let her run away or will there will a Christmas miracle?

Read this fun filled story one me: Dart: a cool German shepherd who finds living with one Dad, one Mom, one boy, one Banshee and one girl and don’t forget the squirrels a challenge and much more.

Author Nicole Izmaylov teachers many lessons of family love, loyalty, fun, holiday spirit, and friendship in this outstanding book. Thanks Nicole: Reading your book definitely made me smile.

This book gets Three Darts, One Emilia and one Prince Ferdinand.
Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Ester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a dog and squirrels and the family they lived with. Easy read.

[A.E. Curzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A world-weary old dog lies at the back of his crate in the pound thinking no-one will want to adopt a dog like him. Then along comes the wild Scribe tribe, whose son, with all the panache of a charging rhino, bizarrely decides the animal has exactly the qualities a boy needs in a dog, and chooses him above all the endearing little puppies. He promptly names him D'Artagnan Whirligig Scribe, aka Dart. Mr Scribe (father) pays the pound, pays the vet for clearance and pays the Happy Sunshine Obedience Fun owner “fifty bucks for a measly three biscuits and a hand on his butt” and off they all go. Then the fun begins. Dart seems to attract trouble wherever he goes, and he is especially mischievous at Show and Tell when ‘Boy’ takes him to school. But misadventure aside, and despite Dart’s perception of matters being so very far removed from that of his human owners, Dart’s life is pretty good. Until, that is, a tornado comes along and uproots a tree which ends up inside the Scribe’s house. With it comes the bane of Dart’s life - a squirrel, promptly adopted and named Emilia Vuvuzela Scribe. Dart finds it difficult to like Emilia. She gets all the best food, what he thinks are his treats and most of the attention. Although he does manage to steal the treats before she gets close enough to eat them. But he still cannot like her. Then he senses she needs help in an affair of the heart and he changes his opinion of her. She doesn't seem so bad after all. As a consequence; his romantic side takes over and he quietly plots to make her happy.

Dart is the narrator of the book and, amongst other things, treats us all to his cynical take on pet owners, and eloquently illustrates how our pets are probably not thinking what we think they are thinking at all.

Dart and the Squirrels is intelligently written and Nicole Izmaylov’s style is quite unique. It’s also lots of fun. But what makes it exceptional is it was written when the author was in middle school. Quite remarkable! For me this is very deserving of 5 stars.

[Kitty Muse Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dart, a grizzled old German Shepherd, is a great dog. Not because he is a lovable, happy, sweet doggie-poo that wants to jump and play and be with his pack.

It's because he isn't any of those things. Well, except the dog part. And the grizzled old German Shepherd part, which is his own self-description.

It would be all okay with him if he was just left in the dog shelter, but this was not to be. Not only is he "burdened" with being adopted, it's by a family, with kids...

Well, maybe it'll work out. After all, there is much food to be had. And the attention--not so bad, once you got used to it.

But the collar...

And the endless trips to school for "Show and Tell"...

And the tree that rudely entered the house, with the squirrel that rudely entered his life.

Oh, no. Make that two squirrels. One that thinks he's a tree-dwelling knight in shining, um, fur.

So, what's a curmudgeonly old dog to do?

This was such a funny, sweet, and ingeniously original book. We always hear of the Lassie-type dogs--the ones that would run and find help whenever Timmy fell down the well and couldn't climb out. Dart seems the type that would just roll his eyes and say, "Again? This is, like, the third time this month. So here's a rope. I'm going to go take a nap."

A story from the standpoint of a dog that brooks no unwanted company, but is neck-deep in it anyway. From his days as the "Demon Farter" to the New Year's Eve that changes lives, every page is funny, sometimes heartwarming, and always worth every word.

Nice job, Ms. Izmaylov!

[Dolores Ayotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an both an author and book reviewer, I have had the opportunity to read several children's books. I am also a mother, grandmother, and former elementary school teacher and for one reason or another "Dart and the Squirrels" didn't grab me like some of the other reviews indicated it would.

The basic premise is good. It is written from a dog's point of view which I imagine is quite creative and unique in and of itself. Dart, the nickname for this somewhat older German Shepherd, has been adopted by the Scribe family. Boy gets to pick dog and his two sisters get to choose his name. The first choice is d'Artagnan which is a mouthful for anyone reading this book aloud, so Dart is definitely a better shorter version and much easier to pronounce. Boy who is in third grade takes Dart to school for Show & Tell, which provides an interesting experience for both his fellow students and subsitute teacher. Dad rushes to school to diffuse the situation.

There is plenty of humor and even sarcasm in this children's book which helps explain my 3 star rating. I'm not so sure if this aspect...the sarcasm...or use of the words "fart" or "psycho" is befitting the younger reader. Perhaps this book is actually meant for an older reading audience looking for a little light humor. Also, I'm sure the illustrations were far more effective in the paperback edition, while my Kindle download did little to highlight them the way an author would prefer.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The old dog’s obviously not going to get adopted, but the boy’s out to annoy his parents and turns “a lovely shade of buy him” when old dog’s dinner disagrees so odiferously. So starts Nicole Ismaylov’s Dart and the Squirrels told in first person by a very intelligent German Shepherd full of character and wit. And it just gets better. Dog thinks this a very strange family, and reader thinks they’re perfectly suited to him. But what shall they call him… something beginning with D?

Take some perfect quotes to start each erudite chapter—hey, these kids can read—and a perfectly middle-grade sense of humor—well, Dart rhymes with, you know what I mean; add perfectly hilarious classroom situations, substitute teachers, tornados and more; and what else could you ask for. Chatty, irreverent, mildly confusing and thoroughly entertaining, the protagonist is great, the surprisingly squirrely antagonist is, well, a squirrel, and the story’s a quick, fun, fascinating read. There’s even a great knock knock joke hiding in there!

Disclosure: I learned that it was free so I bought it and read it.

[Laura Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a reader of young adult fiction and this being an elementary school book (I entered so I could donate it to the school library where the budget has been drastically cut), I struggled while I read it. It was hard for me to follow.

The book it told through the eyes of a dog—an old dog who has been rescued from the pound. It deals with his struggle to remain the number one pet when the family adopts a squirrel left homeless from a storm. (NOTE: The storm part did bother me because we live close to Joplin, MO and the toll it took on our students at school.)

Not to be narrow-minded, I gave it to a friend who teaches elementary. She said that it would be a great book for just the right reader. In other words, it would have a narrow fan base. However, there are kids how would love it and getting kids to read it the main focus for me. It will soon have a new home in our school library for those kids!

[Dellani Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

D'Artagnan Whirligig Scribe (Dart) is a shelter dog rescued by the Scribe family. He isn't quite sure what to think of them. As an older animal, he doesn't even think he'll be adopted, but they surprise him.

Life with the Scribes is noisy and somewhat chaotic, but fairly normal until the tree falls on the house. Enter Emilia Vuvuzela Scribe—squirrel. She was in the tree when it fell and the family adopts her too. If Dart thought life was strange before, he was wrong. She manages to take his life and turn it completely upside down.

"Dart and the Squirrels" is a charming chapter book for young readers. It's delightful, imaginative and fun, written in an engaging fashion to appeal to children. The characters are shown from the dog's perspective and frequently are foolish or downright annoying to the canine contingent. Dart feels he is the only sane, levelheaded one in the entire household.

Readers of all ages will enjoy this lively and fast paced book.

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute story of an older German Shepard, Dart, who is rescued by a family. He is picked by the young son, partially because of his ability to fart well. The boy's twin sisters name him after the forth musketeer, and then spout of Shakespeare.

The dog has a few adventures then the family gets a new pet...a squirrel. It comes to their home when a tree falls on it.

The lady squirrel then falls for a "outside" squirrel and the fun begins.

Dart, becomes involved in the "Romeo and Juliet" issues of the two squirrels.

I can just see the outside squirrel with a floppy feathered hat and a epee as he spouts old English.

Wonderful story for kids!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining, funny and a quick read but I am having difficulty figuring out what age level it is good for. This book is a story about a dog named Dart that is adopted into the Scribe family. The book is narrated by Dart and is comical, not only does he give his input on humans, he also discusses the story of two squirrels; Emilia and Ferdinand that come into his life. This book is good for many ages, I recommend it.

[Denise Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book - with no age range limitations! I thoroughly enjoyed Dart and the Squirrels and would recommend it to anyone. It's well written and very believable. As someone who has shared my house with a wide assortment of non-humans, I could easily relate to Dart, (aka the Demon Farter) and his varied 'friends'. Even the humans!

I hope Nicole carries on sharing Dart's adventures with us, and look forward to more antics from the Scribe family (all varieties of them).

[Christine bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

d'Artagnan or dart for short is a old German Shepherd, who get taken to a new home with the Scribe family,

it tells her story of how after a tornado the family start to look after a squirrel,along with Dart

there is some very funny parts in this book, when Charlie the son take dart to school,

it remembers me of another book about a dog Fluke which became a film

[Philip Whiteland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really quirky book, told from the point of view of a rescue dog adopted by a very eccentric family. Things are pretty weird from the word 'go' (their system for naming the living things in the household is particularly odd). Once a tree crashes into the house and deposits a squirrel into their midst, things get odder and odder. This is an entertaining tale that children will love.

[Mammy Oaklee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as an adult and would recommend it for YA and up. Having said that I would not recommend it to children. I find there is too much sarcasm for children pick up in a time when respect should be taught.

[Walter Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's book, my son at age 6 - really enjoyed it!

[G.R. Holton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an excellent read by a truly great author that has so much talent.

[Lul]

GOOD