"A hilarious tale about canine care."
—Kirkus Reviews
"A delightful read for children aged 8 and above, packed with humor and lessons about life."
— The Book Commentary
'I Have to Scoop What?' follows the uproarious adventure of Maya and her best friend Lily as they navigate the challenges of dog duty on Puddin’ Head Island. Maya and Lily are so excited to take care of Waggers, a rescue puppy, that they even stay with Maya's Uncle Puddin’ Head, whose love for his perfect lawn is as big as his dislike for the Sweeties. And little does he know, Lily is a Sweetie, hidden in plain sight!
But that's not Maya's only problem: she also refuses to scoop Waggers' poop. Instead, Maya comes up with some crazy ways to deal with it in the neighbors' yards, and let's just say, the wacky neighbors aren't very happy about it!
Get ready for a wild adventure of dog care, courageous friendship, and laugh-out-loud surprises. Whether you're looking for a story filled with laughter or one that teaches responsibility with heart and humor, this chapter book is sure to delight and inspire.
Children's Fiction / Dogs / Humor / Adventure
For ages 8+
Themes: dogs, animals, pet care and responsibility, humor, courage, friendship, community and inclusion, growing up.
Great for readers who:
- love humorous adventure
- love dogs / pets / animals / outdoors
- are thinking about getting a dog
- wish their neighbors were more neighborly
- wish more owners would clean up their dog's poop
I love Courtney Fabrizio's character voices! This scene sets up the rest of the book.
This was my favorite chapter to write and listen to! Maya seeks a place for Waggers to poop. This was the wrong neighbor. Minimal spoilers.
A hilarious tale about canine care and political differences.
Following Kosmos’ Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools (2023), this series opener starring Maya deftly captures the childhood spirit that comes with owning a dog. It does a remarkable job of teaching responsibility in an amusing way. The tale also smoothly integrates canine care, an engaging narrative, and political differences, with humor the common thread. Featuring compact illustrations by Mullins, the work manages to celebrate diversity without being didactic. Although some readers may want more details about Maya’s stay with Uncle Kal, the story ends with a funny, smart surprise, allowing the audience to imagine what will happen next.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/wt-kosmos/maya-and-waggers/
Literary Titan Book Award
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? offers readers a charming and insightful glimpse into the life of Maya, a young girl who embarks on the adventure of pet ownership with the arrival of her new puppy, Waggers… It is a light-hearted and enjoyable read that offers a nuanced perspective on young pet ownership, balancing the responsibilities with the intrinsic joy pets bring into our lives… The book’s humor is subtle yet effective, keeping readers engaged and chuckling from start to finish. The illustrations… enrich the narrative with their delightful visual charm, leaving readers eager for more. Kosmos’s ability to channel a child's viewpoint makes this book a delightful addition to children’s literature.
Kosmos’s humorous story for middle-grade readers follows a girl named Maya as she overcomes her fears and learns to care for her new puppy... The exaggerated strife between the Puddin’ Heads and Sweeties will help kids notice the absurdity of many real-world conflicts, as well as what they have in common with people who have different beliefs.
https://booklife.com/project/maya-and-waggers-i-have-to-scoop-what-89338
Highly recommended! Children will not only laugh and enjoy reading Maya and Waggers, but will learn a lot about responsibility, making connections, having fun, and choices... A cute story with relatable text... characters that are curious and relevant... A quick and enjoyable read with laugh-out-loud moments.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/maya-and-waggers
https://www.readerviewskids.com/maya-and-waggers-i-have-to-scoop-what-kosmos/
Loved it! As in present-day society, there will always be individuals who stand up against outdated rules. In this fictional children’s book, the “rebel” would be Maya... This chapter book uses humor to show the stinkier side of owning a dog and the lengths kids will go to not to scoop the poop! Kids eight years and up will be giggling as they read about Maya's poop dilemma. Many will relate if they have a canine companion at home. Need a good laugh? Read this story!
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/maya-and-waggers-i-have-to-scoop-what-w-t-kosmos#review
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? by W.T. Kosmos is an entertainingly fresh story that captures the beauty of childhood adventures, friendship, and the responsibilities that come with owning a puppy. This book is a delightful read for children aged 8 and above, packed with humor and lessons about life... The humor in the story is a highlight, with moments that will make any reader chuckle. From Waggers' antics to Maya's clever solutions to the challenges they face, the book keeps the reader engaged and entertained throughout. The narrative also incorporates important life lessons, such as responsibility and the significance of empathy toward animals. It beautifully illustrates the growth and maturity of the characters as they navigate their adventures together. Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? is not only a delightful read for children but also an educational and emotionally resonant story that promotes positive values. With its well-crafted characters, humor, and meaningful messages, it's a book that both kids and parents can enjoy together.
https://thebookcommentary.com/review-preview/1205/maya-and-waggers:-i-have-to-scoop-what?