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The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ
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.
This book, for children eight to twelve, has both humor and heart. It is an adventure story as well as a tale with many layers--about overcoming obstacles, mining experience for what matters, and doing what is necessary, though not always desirable, for friendship. It is ultimately about the joy of a hard-won connection.
The classic illustrations--with a contemporary edge--reflect both the poignancy and the wackiness of the book.
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.
This book, for children eight to twelve, has both humor and heart. It is an adventure story as well as a tale with many layers--about overcoming obstacles, mining experience for what matters, and doing what is necessary, though not always desirable, for friendship. It is ultimately about the joy of a hard-won connection.
The classic illustrations--with a contemporary edge--reflect both the poignancy and the wackiness of the book.
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Martha Ritter
3 books2 followersMartha Ritter wrote her first book when she was in the sixth grade. It was a huge volume about the Republic of Indonesia, which the president of the United States requested she give to Indonesia's president. Reluctantly, she complied--and nearly caused an international incident.
Despite this complication, Ms. Ritter has been writing ever since. A journalist, speechwriter, and poet, she has served as a public affairs director for New York City.
As a New York actor, Ms. Ritter has worked in theater and shared her sense of humor with a national audience in a number of classic TV commercials. This is her first children's book.
Ms. Ritter lives in Connecticut and New York City.
Despite this complication, Ms. Ritter has been writing ever since. A journalist, speechwriter, and poet, she has served as a public affairs director for New York City.
As a New York actor, Ms. Ritter has worked in theater and shared her sense of humor with a national audience in a number of classic TV commercials. This is her first children's book.
Ms. Ritter lives in Connecticut and New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 28, 2018
3.5 stars --“The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ” is an appealing Juvenile fiction novel peppered with professionally-done illustrations. Inspired by the author’s true-life experiences with a rescued hound, it’s the story of an ex-research dog who is learning to live in the big world outside of the laboratory. In a “Charlotte’s Web”-like twist, the confused pup has a helper in the form of Dottie, a sassy ladybug who is determined to help her succeed in her new home.
Despite the potentially grim subject matter of a dog being used to breed puppies for laboratory use, the author handles the subject matter in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It’s an issue most people unfortunately avert their eyes from, but it is a fact that thousands of dogs—mostly beagles and other hounds—are used in research and testing in the US every year. The lab environment is so alien to everything that a dog should experience that the lucky few who are released for adoption are like canine visitors from another planet. I felt a bit conflicted over whether I liked the phrase “laboratory dog” on the cover, however, because I fear some parents and others may shy away from it, fearing its content gruesome.
But gruesome it is not—rather, “PZ” is a big-hearted book populated with a variety of funny and offbeat characters that kids will enjoy. The ladybug, with her constant silly puns and diva-ish behavior, may become grating for adult readers, but she will probably be a hit with the humor sensibilities of the target age group. And it’s full of little lessons that will hopefully translate to more humane attitudes—like encouraging readers to understand the motivating factors behind a pet’s behavior.
While the lessons imparted are generally good, there are a few missteps in my eyes that cause me to dock the book half a star. As PZ is a foxhound, this breed heritage motivates much of her behavior, understandably. Characters at different times explain aspects of foxhunting that may cause dog lovers who also advocate for wildlife discomfort. At one point, a shelter worker says to PZ, "Someone will take you hunting someday, and then you can howl all you want.” I know pet rescue is full of tunnel vision, but a dog lover who happily imagines her charges’ wild cousins being chased down and ripped apart is hardly ideal.
Later, another character describes foxhunting thusly:
"It's kind of a game, I think. The fox knows he's being chased. He's fast and tricky, and he plays along. I guess he doesn't get caught much. It's sort of like hide-and-seek. When the hounds find the fox, I guess sometimes they all just play together like they've met up in a park."
This sounds like an argument a foxhunter might make to an especially ignorant audience, and it had me facepalming. There’s a reason the conclusion of a successful foxhunt is the traditional distribution of the dead fox’s tail, ears, and paws amongst hunt participants. Just ask this fox, who’s so terrified that he doesn’t even fight back when a British hunt saboteur scoops him away from the hounds’ jaws and takes off with him: This is no game. In the United States, foxhunting has taken on the even less fair and more gruesome form of fox penning.
That said, owners of scenthounds can freely exercise the cues bred into their dogs in a more humane way by other types of scentwork that don’t involve live animals, much like retrievers jumping into a pool after a floating dummy rather than a shot duck.
Another potential minefield comes when the characters discuss “no kill” vs. “kill” shelters (more appropriate terms are actually “limited admission” and “open admission” shelters). Says one character: "A no-kill shelter is a good kind of shelter. ...It means they won't kill you. Kill shelters put something in you with a needle, and then you're gone." This simplistic view has led to an incredible amount of suffering in recent years, as what begin as “no kill” rescues get swamped with animals and turn into “slow kill” hoarders. No-kill organizations who accept that they must be limited admission facilities can indeed do great good—especially for animals who need extra medical care/training—as long as there are also open-admission facilities in the immediate area willing to accept all animals without delay or question, even though it means they will have to euthanize some of them. Otherwise, you get stuff like this.
The whole “kill vs. no kill” debate is a false dichotomy that makes the shelters bad guys and takes away the important community role in ending the destruction of healthy, adoptable pets. A community cannot become “no kill” until it has reached a 70% spay/neuter compliance rate. Then, the number of animals being born will be equal to the number of homes opening up for them annually. Until then, someone will be destroying unwanted pets, whether it’s an euthanasia technician or traffic, disease, and starvation.
Despite the potentially grim subject matter of a dog being used to breed puppies for laboratory use, the author handles the subject matter in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It’s an issue most people unfortunately avert their eyes from, but it is a fact that thousands of dogs—mostly beagles and other hounds—are used in research and testing in the US every year. The lab environment is so alien to everything that a dog should experience that the lucky few who are released for adoption are like canine visitors from another planet. I felt a bit conflicted over whether I liked the phrase “laboratory dog” on the cover, however, because I fear some parents and others may shy away from it, fearing its content gruesome.
But gruesome it is not—rather, “PZ” is a big-hearted book populated with a variety of funny and offbeat characters that kids will enjoy. The ladybug, with her constant silly puns and diva-ish behavior, may become grating for adult readers, but she will probably be a hit with the humor sensibilities of the target age group. And it’s full of little lessons that will hopefully translate to more humane attitudes—like encouraging readers to understand the motivating factors behind a pet’s behavior.
While the lessons imparted are generally good, there are a few missteps in my eyes that cause me to dock the book half a star. As PZ is a foxhound, this breed heritage motivates much of her behavior, understandably. Characters at different times explain aspects of foxhunting that may cause dog lovers who also advocate for wildlife discomfort. At one point, a shelter worker says to PZ, "Someone will take you hunting someday, and then you can howl all you want.” I know pet rescue is full of tunnel vision, but a dog lover who happily imagines her charges’ wild cousins being chased down and ripped apart is hardly ideal.
Later, another character describes foxhunting thusly:
"It's kind of a game, I think. The fox knows he's being chased. He's fast and tricky, and he plays along. I guess he doesn't get caught much. It's sort of like hide-and-seek. When the hounds find the fox, I guess sometimes they all just play together like they've met up in a park."
This sounds like an argument a foxhunter might make to an especially ignorant audience, and it had me facepalming. There’s a reason the conclusion of a successful foxhunt is the traditional distribution of the dead fox’s tail, ears, and paws amongst hunt participants. Just ask this fox, who’s so terrified that he doesn’t even fight back when a British hunt saboteur scoops him away from the hounds’ jaws and takes off with him: This is no game. In the United States, foxhunting has taken on the even less fair and more gruesome form of fox penning.
That said, owners of scenthounds can freely exercise the cues bred into their dogs in a more humane way by other types of scentwork that don’t involve live animals, much like retrievers jumping into a pool after a floating dummy rather than a shot duck.
Another potential minefield comes when the characters discuss “no kill” vs. “kill” shelters (more appropriate terms are actually “limited admission” and “open admission” shelters). Says one character: "A no-kill shelter is a good kind of shelter. ...It means they won't kill you. Kill shelters put something in you with a needle, and then you're gone." This simplistic view has led to an incredible amount of suffering in recent years, as what begin as “no kill” rescues get swamped with animals and turn into “slow kill” hoarders. No-kill organizations who accept that they must be limited admission facilities can indeed do great good—especially for animals who need extra medical care/training—as long as there are also open-admission facilities in the immediate area willing to accept all animals without delay or question, even though it means they will have to euthanize some of them. Otherwise, you get stuff like this.
The whole “kill vs. no kill” debate is a false dichotomy that makes the shelters bad guys and takes away the important community role in ending the destruction of healthy, adoptable pets. A community cannot become “no kill” until it has reached a 70% spay/neuter compliance rate. Then, the number of animals being born will be equal to the number of homes opening up for them annually. Until then, someone will be destroying unwanted pets, whether it’s an euthanasia technician or traffic, disease, and starvation.
August 27, 2023
3.5 stars. I like the book but think further editing would improve it. It didn't need to be as long as it is.
The descriptions of how the main character dog lived in a laboratory are heartbreaking. Living in a cage with a grate floor and never going for walk? Being a puppy factory? Yech.
I like the friendship between Dottie the ladybug and the main character foxhound. I like the way the author weaves information into the book but around halfway through, I started to skip ahead and wondered why the book took so long to get to its conclusion. The dog befriends a girl and takes a long time to feel comfortable. That's a sweet and happy ending.
The descriptions of how the main character dog lived in a laboratory are heartbreaking. Living in a cage with a grate floor and never going for walk? Being a puppy factory? Yech.
I like the friendship between Dottie the ladybug and the main character foxhound. I like the way the author weaves information into the book but around halfway through, I started to skip ahead and wondered why the book took so long to get to its conclusion. The dog befriends a girl and takes a long time to feel comfortable. That's a sweet and happy ending.
July 12, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book about a lab dog that is adopted by a young girl who lost her dad. The lab dog befriends a ladybug that helps him adjust to being free and taking on the role of a family pet. My cat is a rescue cat who has similar characteristics of Lolly J. A lesson in having patience with a pet and losing friends.
August 4, 2015
This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.
Thanks to author Martha Ritter for gifting me this book for review! I had the pleasure of meeting her at BookCon 2015, and we had a wonderful conversation about many different things. We discussed a book called Nest by Esther Ehrlich that I had previously reviewed, and wondered if PZ could be comparable to it.
Happily, I can state that yes, PZ is just as wonderful, touching, funny, poignant, and full of good feels as NEST. The plot is simple: lab dog ends its usefulness, goes to shelter, gets adopted, and learns about the world. It’s the telling of the story: sometimes from the dog’s point of view, sometimes from the adopter’s, that makes it so beautiful and a joy to read.
Your emotions will range from tears to glee as PZ navigates through a world she’s never even known existed. Dotty, the ladybug that lives in her ear (just under the flap) encourages the former lab dog to be strong and learn how to be true to herself. There are moments where you can completely understand what the dog is thinking, as a situation arises and PZ reacts. I could see her trying to go through a doorway and finding it terrifying, so much so that I was able to transfer her fictional emotions to living canines I’ve encountered. (I’m a vet tech by trade and felt that reading this book gave me better tools to cope with scared dogs at my clinic.)
The family that adopts PZ is a broken one. The father has passed away a year ago, and the 11 year old Olivia is getting skinny due to lack of appetite, and often breaks into tears. She and PZ circle each other warily at first, each doubting each other’s ability to be a good companion. There are disappointments and triumphs, and you can see how the girl and the dog truly help each other to grow and learn.
Towards the end of the book, there is an event that affects the relationship between the shelter dog and grieving girl. I can’t say I saw it coming, but it is fitting and well written. The author has created suspense and it is easy for the reader to want a happy ending, to hope that Olivia and PZ can work together as a team. (No spoilers–you must read the book yourself!)
I felt I would be able to read this story without tearing up or laughing out loud. I was wrong! There is pathos and humor that fits perfectly together, and the plot advances seamlessly. What a perfect way to convey so many ideas: love, trust, uncertainty, and growth. The illustrations complement the story, and add that other dimension of having a perfect picture of what the characters look like. The drawings are alternately moving and comic, without being too complicated.
Want your own copy? Yes, you do. Everyone should read this book.
Thanks to author Martha Ritter for gifting me this book for review! I had the pleasure of meeting her at BookCon 2015, and we had a wonderful conversation about many different things. We discussed a book called Nest by Esther Ehrlich that I had previously reviewed, and wondered if PZ could be comparable to it.
Happily, I can state that yes, PZ is just as wonderful, touching, funny, poignant, and full of good feels as NEST. The plot is simple: lab dog ends its usefulness, goes to shelter, gets adopted, and learns about the world. It’s the telling of the story: sometimes from the dog’s point of view, sometimes from the adopter’s, that makes it so beautiful and a joy to read.
Your emotions will range from tears to glee as PZ navigates through a world she’s never even known existed. Dotty, the ladybug that lives in her ear (just under the flap) encourages the former lab dog to be strong and learn how to be true to herself. There are moments where you can completely understand what the dog is thinking, as a situation arises and PZ reacts. I could see her trying to go through a doorway and finding it terrifying, so much so that I was able to transfer her fictional emotions to living canines I’ve encountered. (I’m a vet tech by trade and felt that reading this book gave me better tools to cope with scared dogs at my clinic.)
The family that adopts PZ is a broken one. The father has passed away a year ago, and the 11 year old Olivia is getting skinny due to lack of appetite, and often breaks into tears. She and PZ circle each other warily at first, each doubting each other’s ability to be a good companion. There are disappointments and triumphs, and you can see how the girl and the dog truly help each other to grow and learn.
Towards the end of the book, there is an event that affects the relationship between the shelter dog and grieving girl. I can’t say I saw it coming, but it is fitting and well written. The author has created suspense and it is easy for the reader to want a happy ending, to hope that Olivia and PZ can work together as a team. (No spoilers–you must read the book yourself!)
I felt I would be able to read this story without tearing up or laughing out loud. I was wrong! There is pathos and humor that fits perfectly together, and the plot advances seamlessly. What a perfect way to convey so many ideas: love, trust, uncertainty, and growth. The illustrations complement the story, and add that other dimension of having a perfect picture of what the characters look like. The drawings are alternately moving and comic, without being too complicated.
Want your own copy? Yes, you do. Everyone should read this book.
July 9, 2014
(Review based on Advance Reader's Copy)
This is a charming, inspiring tale written for 8 to 12 year-olds of the friendship that grows between an 11-year-old girl, Olivia, and the gentle but damaged foxhound her family adopts from a shelter. The book carries echoes of Charlotte's Web in its depiction of the relationship between a young animal struggling to understand the human world and an insect/arachnid who gives wise advice and inspires courage. Likewise, near the end of the tale, there is an exciting rescue reminiscent of One Hundred One Dalmations. For readers who have enjoyed those classics, PZ is a natural choice.
The story is engagingly told from the perspective of a sensitive and accommodating but terrified foxhound, and it moves at a nice pace: not draggy but leisurely enough to explore the characters' development and some of the life-lessons it incorporates. The characters are deftly revealed so their motivations and actions are believable, and the reader grows to care about them. For example, Olivia struggles with the decision and commitment necessary to rescue this dog: it is not a clear path for her, and both she and the dog must grow and overcome obstacles to build a relationship. Ultimately, each helps herself by helping the other.
The book is immensely enhanced by its sweet and tender illustrations, which contribute a great deal to the reader's emotional connection with the characters.
The story does not dwell too-long on the sad origins of this foxhound -- her history as a breeder dog in a sterile medical laboratory -- and therefore should not upset more sensitive readers. Likewise, the dangers that propel the exciting plot at the very end are not too scary, and even the mild villain who makes a brief appearance is not evil. Humor is woven into the story throughout.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of PZ is its success in incorporating seamlessly into the story and character-development many important life lessons. Quite a few of these come from the foxhound's insect-companion, a feisty, spunky ladybug who helps the dog learn the values of friendship, hard work, patience, nature and instinct, trust, courage, and self-knowledge.
Ultimately, The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ is a well-told tale of a girl and a dog, each of whom grows in self-confidence and self-knowledge as she learns to trust and find her own courage. In the course of this story, the reader discovers the power of friendship, the triumph of hope over fear, and the interconnection of trust and love.
This is a charming, inspiring tale written for 8 to 12 year-olds of the friendship that grows between an 11-year-old girl, Olivia, and the gentle but damaged foxhound her family adopts from a shelter. The book carries echoes of Charlotte's Web in its depiction of the relationship between a young animal struggling to understand the human world and an insect/arachnid who gives wise advice and inspires courage. Likewise, near the end of the tale, there is an exciting rescue reminiscent of One Hundred One Dalmations. For readers who have enjoyed those classics, PZ is a natural choice.
The story is engagingly told from the perspective of a sensitive and accommodating but terrified foxhound, and it moves at a nice pace: not draggy but leisurely enough to explore the characters' development and some of the life-lessons it incorporates. The characters are deftly revealed so their motivations and actions are believable, and the reader grows to care about them. For example, Olivia struggles with the decision and commitment necessary to rescue this dog: it is not a clear path for her, and both she and the dog must grow and overcome obstacles to build a relationship. Ultimately, each helps herself by helping the other.
The book is immensely enhanced by its sweet and tender illustrations, which contribute a great deal to the reader's emotional connection with the characters.
The story does not dwell too-long on the sad origins of this foxhound -- her history as a breeder dog in a sterile medical laboratory -- and therefore should not upset more sensitive readers. Likewise, the dangers that propel the exciting plot at the very end are not too scary, and even the mild villain who makes a brief appearance is not evil. Humor is woven into the story throughout.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of PZ is its success in incorporating seamlessly into the story and character-development many important life lessons. Quite a few of these come from the foxhound's insect-companion, a feisty, spunky ladybug who helps the dog learn the values of friendship, hard work, patience, nature and instinct, trust, courage, and self-knowledge.
Ultimately, The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ is a well-told tale of a girl and a dog, each of whom grows in self-confidence and self-knowledge as she learns to trust and find her own courage. In the course of this story, the reader discovers the power of friendship, the triumph of hope over fear, and the interconnection of trust and love.
Read
August 15, 2014KIRKUS REVIEWS:
Ritter is at her best when grappling with her main characters' internal lives, outlining in an accessible, realistically paced way how the psychology of grief and trauma can give way to hope and love.
RENEE'S REVIEW Jul 09, 14
4 of 5 stars (Review based on Advance Reader's Copy)
This is a charming, inspiring tale written for 8 to 12 year-olds of the friendship that grows between an 11-year-old girl, Olivia, and the gentle but damaged foxhound her family adopts from a shelter. The book carries echoes of Charlotte's Web in its depiction of the relationship between a young animal struggling to understand the human world and an insect/arachnid who gives wise advice and inspires courage. Likewise, near the end of the tale, there is an exciting rescue reminiscent of One Hundred One Dalmations. For readers who have enjoyed those classics, PZ is a natural choice.
The story is engagingly told from the perspective of a sensitive and accommodating but terrified foxhound, and it moves at a nice pace: not draggy but leisurely enough to explore the characters' development and some of the life-lessons it incorporates. The characters are deftly revealed so their motivations and actions are believable, and the reader grows to care about them. For example, Olivia struggles with the decision and commitment necessary to rescue this dog: it is not a clear path for her, and both she and the dog must grow and overcome obstacles to build a relationship. Ultimately, each helps herself by helping the other.
The book is immensely enhanced by its sweet and tender illustrations, which contribute a great deal to the reader's emotional connection with the characters.
The story does not dwell too-long on the sad origins of this foxhound -- her history as a breeder dog in a sterile medical laboratory -- and therefore should not upset more sensitive readers. Likewise, the dangers that propel the exciting plot at the very end are not too scary, and even the mild villain who makes a brief appearance is not evil. Humor is woven into the story throughout.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of PZ is its success in incorporating seamlessly into the story and character-development many important life lessons. Quite a few of these come from the foxhound's insect-companion, a feisty, spunky ladybug who helps the dog learn the values of friendship, hard work, patience, nature and instinct, trust, courage, and self-knowledge.
Ritter is at her best when grappling with her main characters' internal lives, outlining in an accessible, realistically paced way how the psychology of grief and trauma can give way to hope and love.
RENEE'S REVIEW Jul 09, 14
4 of 5 stars (Review based on Advance Reader's Copy)
This is a charming, inspiring tale written for 8 to 12 year-olds of the friendship that grows between an 11-year-old girl, Olivia, and the gentle but damaged foxhound her family adopts from a shelter. The book carries echoes of Charlotte's Web in its depiction of the relationship between a young animal struggling to understand the human world and an insect/arachnid who gives wise advice and inspires courage. Likewise, near the end of the tale, there is an exciting rescue reminiscent of One Hundred One Dalmations. For readers who have enjoyed those classics, PZ is a natural choice.
The story is engagingly told from the perspective of a sensitive and accommodating but terrified foxhound, and it moves at a nice pace: not draggy but leisurely enough to explore the characters' development and some of the life-lessons it incorporates. The characters are deftly revealed so their motivations and actions are believable, and the reader grows to care about them. For example, Olivia struggles with the decision and commitment necessary to rescue this dog: it is not a clear path for her, and both she and the dog must grow and overcome obstacles to build a relationship. Ultimately, each helps herself by helping the other.
The book is immensely enhanced by its sweet and tender illustrations, which contribute a great deal to the reader's emotional connection with the characters.
The story does not dwell too-long on the sad origins of this foxhound -- her history as a breeder dog in a sterile medical laboratory -- and therefore should not upset more sensitive readers. Likewise, the dangers that propel the exciting plot at the very end are not too scary, and even the mild villain who makes a brief appearance is not evil. Humor is woven into the story throughout.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of PZ is its success in incorporating seamlessly into the story and character-development many important life lessons. Quite a few of these come from the foxhound's insect-companion, a feisty, spunky ladybug who helps the dog learn the values of friendship, hard work, patience, nature and instinct, trust, courage, and self-knowledge.
August 9, 2016
This is a story that could have been told as straight non-fiction about the plight of laboratory animals, but instead, Ritter has woven a charming, funny, and moving fiction about one dog and her transformation into a loved pet.
Based on the real life of a lab foxhound she adopted and "tamed," Ritter 's story also imagines a wise and charismatic ladybug named Dottie, who guides the dog -- and the reader -- along an adventurous road. There is also Olivia, a girl grieving the death of her father, who is as wary as the dog of making lasting connections.
The dog and the girl -- plus an assortment of other amusing people and animals -- confront a series of realistic and fantastic challenges and setbacks, to emerge ultimately as disciplined, brave, and caring.
Ritter has given us a lively read, incorporating much factual information about animal behavior and training and infusing it with dramatic flair, compassion, and insight.
Based on the real life of a lab foxhound she adopted and "tamed," Ritter 's story also imagines a wise and charismatic ladybug named Dottie, who guides the dog -- and the reader -- along an adventurous road. There is also Olivia, a girl grieving the death of her father, who is as wary as the dog of making lasting connections.
The dog and the girl -- plus an assortment of other amusing people and animals -- confront a series of realistic and fantastic challenges and setbacks, to emerge ultimately as disciplined, brave, and caring.
Ritter has given us a lively read, incorporating much factual information about animal behavior and training and infusing it with dramatic flair, compassion, and insight.
December 4, 2014
What a fabulous book for readers of all ages! I read this book aloud with my 8 year old who was likely a little young for some of its nuances about the hardened hearts and protective armor that tragedy brings to character, but even at her age, she was able to appreciate the big picture take-home about earning trust and building relationships one experience at a time. We loved taking our time reading aloud one chapter a night, and talking about the characters and their challenges. This was such a refreshing break from some of the typically fresh and sassy characters that usually draw a "know-it-most" school-aged girl in. It was enjoyable to be able to use the beloved characters in Ms. Ritter's story to touch on some important social topics...namely-- trust, fear of letting people in, and how to be a good friend. This will be a great book to revisit as my daughter matures as well. ( I did receive this book as a complimentary publishers copy.)
December 30, 2015
PZ moved me, deeply and delightfully. It is written with pure heart. I approached it as a dog lover, looking forward to a good “tail” about a creature freed from captivity. Early on, the conditions described in the laboratory are nothing short of harrowing, while the ladybug amenuensis is delightful, helping relieve the woes our heroine must survive. What I did not expect was Ritter’s ingenious twist in Chapter 13, which serves to springboard the book into a carefully observed chronicle of Olivia, the young person who comes to the rescue. The halting journey toward a bonded relationship between Olivia and her adoptee becomes a splendid, truth-telling adventure for—as the cliche has it, and rightfully so—children of all ages. The quiet resolution, including a surprising curtain call by the ladybug, perfectly suits the tender tone of this very special narrative. Unqualified kudos to Matha Ritter from this crotchety old scribbler
September 7, 2015
PZ is a breeder, a dog that is kept in a research lab with the sole purpose of breeding litter after litter of pups to be used in laboratory tests. PZ is rescued, and her whole life is turned upside down. PZ is adopted by a girl and her mother who struggle to tame PZ. This is a story that is sure to be a hit with animal lovers. While the first chapter describing life in the lab could be disturbing to some, the mutual search for love and family between the dog and the girl is heartwarming. The story is told in the third person, which gives the reader the chance to know what all characters are thinking, including PZ and her faithful companion Dottie the ladybug. Solid writing tells a beautiful story based on the author's real life experience. Recommended Gr. 4-8.
Similar books:
A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey by Bruce Cameron
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Similar books:
A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey by Bruce Cameron
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
December 22, 2015
PZ, a dog who is raised in a laboratory to breed puppies who are used in experiments, is deemed extraneous and sent to a shelter. Because she has never lived outside of a cage, she must learn how the world works and how to interact with other animals and humans.
This book is a nominee for this year's Massachusetts Children's Book Award, and so I read it with a group of 4th-6th graders who are getting ready to vote for their pick to win that award. Sadly, I don't think this book is it. I found the book to be long and slow going, and the kids were divided as to whether or not they liked it. My family adopted a dog while we were reading this, and so reading about a dog from the dog's perspective was relatively interesting... but I am unlikely to recommend this to anyone beyond the most diehard of dog lovers.
This book is a nominee for this year's Massachusetts Children's Book Award, and so I read it with a group of 4th-6th graders who are getting ready to vote for their pick to win that award. Sadly, I don't think this book is it. I found the book to be long and slow going, and the kids were divided as to whether or not they liked it. My family adopted a dog while we were reading this, and so reading about a dog from the dog's perspective was relatively interesting... but I am unlikely to recommend this to anyone beyond the most diehard of dog lovers.
December 28, 2015
You know, this really is a charming book. There's a lot between the pages for children and adults who love animals, have suffered losses, wonder what animals think, and care about the anatomy of a rescue and rehabilitation. The two main animal characters, a foxhound and a ladybug are unlikely friends, but then they also talk to each other, so no worries about that. Dotty, the ladybug, is the sort of friend we all need, a kind of life coach, perhaps, but she's in the relationship for the long haul. It's no accident she lives in PZ's ear because the counsel of our human best friends is saved in our heads too .And with her coaching and love, PZ and her little girl begin the process of relationship also for the long haul.
This book works for adults, children, and everyone in between. And there's a lot to talk about along the way.
This book works for adults, children, and everyone in between. And there's a lot to talk about along the way.
January 1, 2016
With this endearingly enchanting and ultimately profound novel, Martha Ritter joins the lofty company of Antoine de Saint-Exupery and E.B. White. She weaves together a small cast of vivid characters who confront serious issues of trauma, abuse, death, loss, and rescue, yet does so in such a sensitive, loving way that readers will emerge from the story, just as the protagonists do, smiling, stronger, and wiser. We share in a young girl's wariness, thrill in her adventure, and find comfort in her friendship with a dog who we, too, come to know and love.
I don't think I'll ever be able to note the number nine, without thinking of the clever ladybug who finds refuge in that figure. To see what I mean, you'll have to read the book. I guarantee you'll be glad you did. It's charmingly unforgettable, and so, Ms. Ritter will tame you, as she did me.
I don't think I'll ever be able to note the number nine, without thinking of the clever ladybug who finds refuge in that figure. To see what I mean, you'll have to read the book. I guarantee you'll be glad you did. It's charmingly unforgettable, and so, Ms. Ritter will tame you, as she did me.
July 10, 2014
I received an advance copy of this book, so am one of the first to have read and enjoyed it! This is a very good read for any age (over 8). It's the poignant tale of a laboratory pup whose early life was devoid of human compassion and who had to learn to be a "real dog." Based on the life of an actual dog who had been rescued by the author, it has charm and wit with an undercurrent of seriousness. The animal characters are all well developed as are the humans, and the dialogue exchanged by the animals (which the human characters cannot hear, of course) will ring true to anyone who has a dog and attempts understand what it is saying. The book's messages of patience, love, acceptance, adaptation, growth, and change are subtly delivered. Well written with charming illustrations.
November 17, 2014
The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ is a terrific book! Although I'm not the target demographic and am not particularly a dog lover, I found this book to be captivating. Particularly the divine Miss Dottie, the diva ladybug who tutors PZ on how to adjust to the world of humans. Martha Ritter's insightful description that humans have to be tamed to make a home was a revelation. I loved Matt Ryan's wonderfully imaginative illustrations which add to the dramatic unfolding of the story. After I finished reading PZ, I got several copies for friends and family who I thought might enjoy the book. Happily, all recipients have said how much they loved the book too. With PZ, Martha Ritter has crafted a beautifully written story for kids of all ages.
September 20, 2015
Grade 3 and up; on the 2015-2016 MCBA list. This story is a great choice for dog/animal lovers and fans of CHARLOTTE'S WEB; it is fiction but based upon the author's real and challenging experience of adopting a rescue dog that had been in a research laboratory her whole life. Kids will enjoy reading from the dog's (and ladybug's!) point of view and there's plenty of ups and downs to keep it exciting. The adult characters are sort of forced and seem to be in there to clumsily move the story to where it needs to go, but young readers probably won't notice. Make sure to read both "The Story Behind the Story" at the beginning and the Acknowledgements at the end.
November 3, 2015
Martha Ritter has provided the reader with hope for laboratory animals being adjusted back into a normal animal life after adoption. There are so many profound tidbits of information in this book for middle schoolers: routines are important in the dog's training (walking a square), demonstrated behavior may be taken as misbehavior (jumping on tables and raising a paw), and shaking and silence. I found the these details to be more interesting to me than the story with the lady bug, other dogs, and the adopting family; but I can see how a boy or girl might enjoy Olivia's growing need and love for the dog PZ or her new name, Lolly J.
August 25, 2014
Any pet owner or person who loves animals will feel good reading this book. You can really sense what the characters are going through. There are adventures and exciting situations while PZ explores the real world for the first time. This will keep you hooked.
This novel is very well written. As a kid, I liked that I was able to get into the story quickly. The characters are pretty unique and bring some funny and interesting spice to the story. It’s a good story about opening up and learning to trust again.
After reading this book you might even want to rescue your own dog!
This novel is very well written. As a kid, I liked that I was able to get into the story quickly. The characters are pretty unique and bring some funny and interesting spice to the story. It’s a good story about opening up and learning to trust again.
After reading this book you might even want to rescue your own dog!
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December 13, 2021Martha RitterThe Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ: A laboratory dog's search for love
Nothing ever really happens. It started out OK but got really boring. It sometimes got hard to follow along with what was happening. I wouldn't recommend this book.
Nothing ever really happens. It started out OK but got really boring. It sometimes got hard to follow along with what was happening. I wouldn't recommend this book.
August 18, 2015
This book would make a good Div.II.
It is based on the true story of Tess, a rescued laboratory dog, who needed to be socialized and to learn everything: How to walk, to trust in herself, to be a dog, and mostly to trust humans.
This would be a good read-aloud, and could spark discussion and research into the plight of laboratory animals.
It got a little wordy in places, but overall was good!
I can think of dozens of dog and animal lovers who will want to read this book.
It is based on the true story of Tess, a rescued laboratory dog, who needed to be socialized and to learn everything: How to walk, to trust in herself, to be a dog, and mostly to trust humans.
This would be a good read-aloud, and could spark discussion and research into the plight of laboratory animals.
It got a little wordy in places, but overall was good!
I can think of dozens of dog and animal lovers who will want to read this book.
December 30, 2015
This is one of the most enchanting children's books I have read in my career as a mom of five avid readers. My youngest children (twins who are 10 years old), who read this book on their own, could not put it down, and felt that the characters were absolutely real and authentic. Ms. Ritter is clearly a talented and insightful writer, and a woman who has a heart for both animals and people. I highly recommend this book, and hope to see more from this delightful author!
January 2, 2016
Very thoughtful and clever book about triumphing and overcoming the unfairness in life. A lesson for both young and old... I read it with my 10-year-old and it was enjoyable to us at different levels. It's such an intricate yet simple story. Ms. Ritter created a magnificently intelligent book. I can't wait to read more from her!
July 17, 2015
I wish Goodreads gave half stars. I wanted to really like this book, but I felt there was something missing, and given the story, of a dog rescued from a lab, there might just have been. It's given me a lot to ponder, and good books do that.
June 6, 2015
I don't know if I can read this one. I started it but the writing was very underwhelming and the lady bug character (Dotty, har har) was really annoying. I'm hoping that my dog lovers will enjoy it.
December 28, 2015
I was flipping through this book because of the art, but the story pulled me in within a few pages. I want to find out how the dog gets out of the research facility, and I don't even like dogs.
August 26, 2014
Cute book, good for young readers.
January 29, 2015
Okay book for middle schoolers or advanced elementary. Good story.
July 19, 2015
I loved PZ so much!!! One of the reasons is that reminded me, as a reader, that you have to give others a chance. Not to mention I am an 11 year old that loved his puppy!!
January 3, 2016
The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ was thoroughly enjoyed by a third grader in my class. She was hooked and couldn't put it down until she was done. Definitely a book for all ages!
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