Hi everyone! I'm VERY excited to share with you a super cute and special book; Pawcasso by Remy Lai. I had the chance to read it back in March and today, it's finally the release day! Check out my review below and an interview with the author.
Book title: Pawcasso
Publication date: May 25, 2021
Author: Remy Lai
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Pages: 240
How I got the book: Sent for Review; the publisher provided me an eARC in exchange of my honest review.
Synopsis
Remy Lai, the award-winning creator of Pie in the Sky makes her middle-grade graphic novel debut, Pawcasso, about the unexpected friendship between the loneliest girl in class and the coolest canine in town.
"It's tail-wagging entertaining!" ―Kelly Yang, New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk
Every Saturday, Pawcasso trots into town with a basket, a shopping list, and cash in paw to buy groceries for his family. One day, he passes eleven-year-old Jo, peering out the window of her house, bored and lonely. Astonished by the sight of an adorable basket-toting dog on his own, Jo follows Pawcasso, and when she’s seen alongside him by a group of kids from her school, they mistake her for Pawcasso’s owner.
Excited to make new friends, Jo reluctantly hides the truth and agrees to let “her” dog model for an art class the kids attend. What could go wrong? But what starts as a Chihuahua-sized lie quickly grows Great Dane-sized when animal control receives complaints about a dog roaming the streets off-leash. With Pawcasso’s freedom at stake, is Jo willing to spill the truth and risk her new friendships?
"A beautifully drawn and delightful story bursting with art, books, and fun!" ―Maria Scrivan, New York Times bestselling author of Nat Enough and Forget Me Nat
"It's tail-wagging entertaining!" ―Kelly Yang, New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk
Every Saturday, Pawcasso trots into town with a basket, a shopping list, and cash in paw to buy groceries for his family. One day, he passes eleven-year-old Jo, peering out the window of her house, bored and lonely. Astonished by the sight of an adorable basket-toting dog on his own, Jo follows Pawcasso, and when she’s seen alongside him by a group of kids from her school, they mistake her for Pawcasso’s owner.
Excited to make new friends, Jo reluctantly hides the truth and agrees to let “her” dog model for an art class the kids attend. What could go wrong? But what starts as a Chihuahua-sized lie quickly grows Great Dane-sized when animal control receives complaints about a dog roaming the streets off-leash. With Pawcasso’s freedom at stake, is Jo willing to spill the truth and risk her new friendships?
"A beautifully drawn and delightful story bursting with art, books, and fun!" ―Maria Scrivan, New York Times bestselling author of Nat Enough and Forget Me Nat
Review
This book is about a friendship between a girl, Jo, and an awesome dog. Pawcasso is super cute and friendly, and everyone in town loves him. Well, almost everyone; there's someone who isn't such a big dog fan... Although the real problem is related to using leash for dogs. Anyway, besides the beautiful friendship between Jo and Pawcasso, we also get to see the struggles and development of family relationships, and kindness within the community. The illustrations are beautifully well done, colorful, and fun! This is the first book I've read by Remy Lai but, it won't be the last one. It was so easy for me to fall in love with the story and the characters (and the illustrations, of course). I had a couple of laughs while reading this book but, there's also some teary moments. I love this book so much and I can't wait to share it with my cousin's daughter.
If PAWCASSO sounds like something you would enjoy, be sure to add it to you TBR!
Remy Lai's interview
How was the creative process behind PAWCASSO and what inspired you to write it?
I was wracking my brain trying to come up with an idea for my third book when my editor suggested I write a dog book, since he knew that I loved dogs. And of course I had to write a story inspired by my dog, Poop Roller.
Who is your favorite character and why?
Pawcasso is the obvious choice, but I also love Kane. He’s so kind and easy going, and he reminds me of my good friend back in elementary school.
There are diverse characters in PAWCASSO and I love that. What can you tell us about the importance of representation in books?
I wanted kids from diverse backgrounds to see themselves in books that are not centered on the pain of being from marginalized groups. They deserve to have all the adventures too.
And just for fun, tell us 5 random facts about you.
1. Sometimes, I eat ice cream for breakfast.
2. I was in my high school’s track and field team.
3. I cry a lot during movies.
4. I like the Cheetos smell of my dog’s feet.
5. I am addicted to vacuuming with my Dyson.
2. I was in my high school’s track and field team.
3. I cry a lot during movies.
4. I like the Cheetos smell of my dog’s feet.
5. I am addicted to vacuuming with my Dyson.
This was so much fun! Thank you for your time, Remy! It was a pleasure having you on my blog.
More about the author
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Buy the book
Remy Lai studied fine arts, with a major in painting and drawing. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore, and currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she writes and draws stories for kids with her two dogs by her side. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall. Follow Remy on Instagram @rrremylai. remylai.com
