Nothing But Trouble

by Betty Ren Wright, Jacqueline Rogers (Illustrator)

Vannie Kirkland's uneasiness living with her aunt Bert, who is cranky and plainspoken, is made worse by Vannie's yappy dog, but Vannie ends up helping Aunt Bert capture a vandal. By the author of The Ghost Witch.

Genres: Animals

32 pages, Library Binding

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Betty Ren Wright was an award-winning author of children's fiction including The Dollhouse Murders, The Ghosts Of Mercy Manor and A Ghost in The House.

Known for her ghost stories and mysteries, Wright published 28 children's novels between 1981 and 2006, as well as picture books and short stories. Prior to pursuing her career as a full-time author in 1978, she worked as an editor of children's books.

Wright lived in Wisconsin with her husband, painter George A. Fredericksen, until her death in 2013.

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehh, I had some issues with the story.
It could have had a better ending I thought.

Leaving your daughter with a grumpy Aunt you haven’t kept in touch with for the summer? I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. California probably wasn’t the best place to go to live when your down on your luck either.

The author says Vannie learns the lesson of compromise; compromise! I’d say it wasn’t compromise but selfless sacrifice, or a very adult decision. The adults around Vannie are not very supportive of her and her little dog Muffy is all she has. Vannie’s selfless act was really sad for me. I didn’t want her to do it. She’s really the only mature grownup in the story at age 12; so maybe a 12 year old would like the story.

I bought this as a used book to give to my grandchildren to read. I always read them first. This one I won’t pass on to them to read.

The illustrations are excellent and do add interest to the book.

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story for the young reader. A young Vannie, & Muffy, her toy poodle, are dropped off at her Aunt's farm when her parents set off to find work. Separation is challenging. Her Aunt is a character - tough, caring, capable, crotchety. Vannie notices mysterious lights, finds a gum wrapper, and begins to try to discover what these mean.
The illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers are absolutely amazing.

[Avani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the book is great. I am 8 years old and i was not into reading until this book showed me how much fun it is. It is a really great book. I am so happy Goodreads has this book. By the way Goodreads is an amazing site.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a better ending!

It's not Vannie's fault she got shipped off to live with Aunt Bert, which is already a huge adjustment, and I think it's unfair she had to make the sacrifice and choice that she did at the end of the story. Just doesn't sit right with me.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent kid’s book

I loved it. True to life. The girl understood reality and generosity. The bad guys got theirs and hopefully learned from their misdeeds.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While her parents look for work in California, Vannie is dropped off at her curmudgeonly great aunt’s farm in Ohio. Vannie has uneasy feelings about staying with her cranky Aunt Bert, but tries to make the best of things. Soon Vannie does become friends with April, the girl next door just her age. Vannie and April also set out to find who is responsible for acts of vandalism on Aunt Bert’s farm.

Readers will relate to Vannie’s feelings about being shipped off somewhere to stay with someone you’re uncomfortable with. Although Aunt Bert is very irritable in the beginning she does, in time, show a kinder heart than expected. The vandal turns out to be Billy, the stock bully. Very enjoyable, fast read for 3rd and 4th graders.

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Isn't Muffy supposed to be a toy dog? Then how does it run away? How does it walk on its own? How does it Bark? That is a part that doesn't make sense. What also doesn't make sense is that Aunt Bert wants a dog afterwards, but doesn't like Muffy

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great mystery book. I recommend this book to those who love mysteries.