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Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City #2
Dog Days in the City
Twelve-year-old Josie must find forever homes for seven rambunctious foster puppies in this heartwarming sequel to The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, which the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books called “a compelling story that will appeal to the animal fans who loved The One and Only Ivan.”
Anytime Josie Shilling’s large family gets too chaotic, volunteering at the local animal clinic is the one place she can escape—and she loves working with the animals. But when a box mysteriously appears on the clinic’s front steps, Josie suddenly becomes responsible for seven adorable puppies!
Taking care of her pig, Hamlet, last fall was a bit harder than she thought. So how is she ever going to handle a whole litter of mischievous pups and find the right homes for them all? This summer will bring big changes for Josie as she learns about growing up, letting go, and loving your pack no matter what.
Dog Days in the City is a heartwarming blend of coming-of-age and animal friendship story that is perfect for fans of Ann M. Martin’s Rain Reign, Joan Bauer’s Almost Home, and Barbara O'Connor’s Wish.
Anytime Josie Shilling’s large family gets too chaotic, volunteering at the local animal clinic is the one place she can escape—and she loves working with the animals. But when a box mysteriously appears on the clinic’s front steps, Josie suddenly becomes responsible for seven adorable puppies!
Taking care of her pig, Hamlet, last fall was a bit harder than she thought. So how is she ever going to handle a whole litter of mischievous pups and find the right homes for them all? This summer will bring big changes for Josie as she learns about growing up, letting go, and loving your pack no matter what.
Dog Days in the City is a heartwarming blend of coming-of-age and animal friendship story that is perfect for fans of Ann M. Martin’s Rain Reign, Joan Bauer’s Almost Home, and Barbara O'Connor’s Wish.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
About the author
Jodi Kendall
2 books51 followersJodi Kendall is the middle grade author of The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City and Dog Days in the City (HarperCollins Children's Books). Jodi grew up in the Midwest with her family of seven, and a household of countless pets including hamsters, ducks, dogs, rabbits, an iguana, and yes…even a farm pig! These days, you can find Jodi typing away at home in Portland, Oregon, where she’s still an animal lover at heart. Visit Jodi online at www.jodikendall.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 24, 2018
(free review copy) Oh my goodness. This is the first middle grade book that has straight up made me cry in a long long time. It was on the top of my most anticipated MG list for this fall and it 100% lived up to my expectations as the sequel to my favorite of Fall 2017 - THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY. In that story, Josie (along with her many siblings and friends) were tasked with saving a pig in their urban Ohio home, and this time it’s a litter of SEVEN puppies abandoned at the clinic where Josie volunteers.
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I adore everything about this book - everything. Fans of the first in the duo will rejoice when this releases on Oct 2, and new readers should start reading PIG now so they are ready for this one as soon as it drops!
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I adore everything about this book - everything. Fans of the first in the duo will rejoice when this releases on Oct 2, and new readers should start reading PIG now so they are ready for this one as soon as it drops!
February 26, 2022
This was cute but it made me sad so -1 star for that. Mean!
Dog Days in the City is a Middle Grade contemporary about Josie who is delivered 7 homeless puppies while volunteering at her local vet clinic. Josie is determined to find the best homes for the puppies, but first she has to convince her parents to let her foster them for 2 weeks.
I did enjoy this one, but seriously and I did not sign up for that. I know it's realistic and whatnot but I don't care. I am sad now and I was already sad. Did not sign up for extra sads.
I did really enjoy Josie's character, she reminds me a lot of a younger me. Though I highly doubt 12 year olds would be allowed in a vet clinic like she was. There's just way too many things that could happen where the vet would be legally responsible. Anyway...
The toxic friendship was something else. I don't know if I like how it was resolved, because I really felt like Lucy was at fault for a lot of their tension. Maybe they both need some therapy. That's probably what everyone needs truly. Anyway pick up this book if you like puppies! But also be ready to be sad!
I did enjoy that Grace had two dads! Great casual queer rep in the side characters.
CWs: Animal death (terminal illness), cancer, medical content (veterinary). Moderate: bullying, toxic friendship, animal cruelty (run over by car). Minor: car accident (mentioned but not on page).
Dog Days in the City is a Middle Grade contemporary about Josie who is delivered 7 homeless puppies while volunteering at her local vet clinic. Josie is determined to find the best homes for the puppies, but first she has to convince her parents to let her foster them for 2 weeks.
I did enjoy this one, but seriously and I did not sign up for that. I know it's realistic and whatnot but I don't care. I am sad now and I was already sad. Did not sign up for extra sads.
I did really enjoy Josie's character, she reminds me a lot of a younger me. Though I highly doubt 12 year olds would be allowed in a vet clinic like she was. There's just way too many things that could happen where the vet would be legally responsible. Anyway...
The toxic friendship was something else. I don't know if I like how it was resolved, because I really felt like Lucy was at fault for a lot of their tension. Maybe they both need some therapy. That's probably what everyone needs truly. Anyway pick up this book if you like puppies! But also be ready to be sad!
I did enjoy that Grace had two dads! Great casual queer rep in the side characters.
CWs: Animal death (terminal illness), cancer, medical content (veterinary). Moderate: bullying, toxic friendship, animal cruelty (run over by car). Minor: car accident (mentioned but not on page).
September 22, 2024
Dog Days in the City was a delightful read following a young girl who works with her friends to find homes for seven adorable puppies.
Twelve-year-old Josie Shilling's family is large and chaotic, so she enjoys volunteering at the local animal clinic which is a lot calmer. That is until a box mysteriously appears at the clinic containing seven rambunctious puppies. With the sudden responsibility of caring for seven puppies, Josie is going to need help from her friends and family. As Josie and her friends arrange an Adopt-a-thon for the puppies, Josie will face some big changes in her life as she begins to grow up.
Dog Days in the City was a great read that hits a lot harder than you would expect it to. To start, the seven puppies were so adorable and I loved how they each had their own little personalities. Josie bonded with the puppies so quickly and I liked how responsible she was about taking care of them. Also can I just say, I loved that her mom caved immediately and was on board with fostering the pups. While Josie and her family are taking care of the puppies, their older dog Sugar gets sicker as the book goes on. Reading about what Sugar was going through hit hard as it reminded me a lot of my first dog that passed when I was a teenager. So fair warning if loss of a pet gets to you, this book puts you through the ringer. Throughout all of this, Josie has some problems within her friend group and it was nice to see the group work out their issues by the end of the book.
Overall Dog Days in the City was a very enjoyable read and I definitely need to pick up the first book in the series, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, at some point in the future.
Twelve-year-old Josie Shilling's family is large and chaotic, so she enjoys volunteering at the local animal clinic which is a lot calmer. That is until a box mysteriously appears at the clinic containing seven rambunctious puppies. With the sudden responsibility of caring for seven puppies, Josie is going to need help from her friends and family. As Josie and her friends arrange an Adopt-a-thon for the puppies, Josie will face some big changes in her life as she begins to grow up.
Dog Days in the City was a great read that hits a lot harder than you would expect it to. To start, the seven puppies were so adorable and I loved how they each had their own little personalities. Josie bonded with the puppies so quickly and I liked how responsible she was about taking care of them. Also can I just say, I loved that her mom caved immediately and was on board with fostering the pups. While Josie and her family are taking care of the puppies, their older dog Sugar gets sicker as the book goes on. Reading about what Sugar was going through hit hard as it reminded me a lot of my first dog that passed when I was a teenager. So fair warning if loss of a pet gets to you, this book puts you through the ringer. Throughout all of this, Josie has some problems within her friend group and it was nice to see the group work out their issues by the end of the book.
Overall Dog Days in the City was a very enjoyable read and I definitely need to pick up the first book in the series, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, at some point in the future.
February 22, 2022
Dog Days in the City is the second installment of the Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City series. In it, you are still following animal lover Josie Shilling and her family. We also get to see the adorable Hamlet from time to time but this story is about a girl and a dog. Well, some puppies that were abandoned as well.
Sugar was probably the best family dog anyone could ever ask for. So, it was really bittersweet to watch her get older and get sicker. It definitely brought me back to when we had our first dog and how sick he got at 13 years old. So, when Josie and her family were sad - I felt that. Mostly because I've been there.
While that was making me an emotional hot mess, we still had adorable puppies to take care of and get adopted. I seriously love how excited and helpful her stoop friends are because I know no one who would help me get seven puppies adopted. My friends and I would just keep them for ourselves, if I'm being completely honest.
In the end, I had a feeling that a certain adoption was coming Josie's way. I'm also glad that she made up with her friends and everything turned out for the better. So happy that I decided to jump into this series. It was very cute, and I think I need another Josie adventure.
Sugar was probably the best family dog anyone could ever ask for. So, it was really bittersweet to watch her get older and get sicker. It definitely brought me back to when we had our first dog and how sick he got at 13 years old. So, when Josie and her family were sad - I felt that. Mostly because I've been there.
While that was making me an emotional hot mess, we still had adorable puppies to take care of and get adopted. I seriously love how excited and helpful her stoop friends are because I know no one who would help me get seven puppies adopted. My friends and I would just keep them for ourselves, if I'm being completely honest.
In the end, I had a feeling that a certain adoption was coming Josie's way. I'm also glad that she made up with her friends and everything turned out for the better. So happy that I decided to jump into this series. It was very cute, and I think I need another Josie adventure.
October 10, 2018
🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐷
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for DOG DAYS IN THE CITY by @jodi_kendall; thanks for sharing a copy with @kidlitexchange!
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I just adored this sequel to AN UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY! The whole Shilling family is back, this time for an adventure involving seven super cute puppies who need homes (#adoptdontshop!)
Josie is facing a lot of changes in her life -- she isn't doing gymnastics anymore and is struggling in her friendship with Lucy. She's also developing a crush on Sully, her basketball-playing neighbor, and her siblings are all driving her crazy. On top of all this, she is tasked with finding homes for seven puppies that are dropped off at the vet clinic. .
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My favorite part about this series is the realistic and hilarious way the family of five is portrayed with all their differing personalities. Add in seven puppies and an elderly dog and you have CHAOS! 😅 Like the #Penderwicks and #Vanderbeekers, the Shillings have fights and conflicts, but at the end of the day they have each other's back...which is a good thing because the family dog, Sugar, is getting older...
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I will have no trouble recommending and selling this book students in my library! We have lots of dog lovers and this book addresses the important topic of how to let go of your pet when they reach the end of their life. This beautiful, sensitively-written novel is sure to be a huge hit in elementary and middle school libraries.
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Oh, and don't worry! Hammy the 🐖makes a couple of appearances, too!
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#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat #mgbooks #kidlitexchange
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for DOG DAYS IN THE CITY by @jodi_kendall; thanks for sharing a copy with @kidlitexchange!
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〰️
〰️
I just adored this sequel to AN UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY! The whole Shilling family is back, this time for an adventure involving seven super cute puppies who need homes (#adoptdontshop!)
Josie is facing a lot of changes in her life -- she isn't doing gymnastics anymore and is struggling in her friendship with Lucy. She's also developing a crush on Sully, her basketball-playing neighbor, and her siblings are all driving her crazy. On top of all this, she is tasked with finding homes for seven puppies that are dropped off at the vet clinic. .
〰️
〰️
My favorite part about this series is the realistic and hilarious way the family of five is portrayed with all their differing personalities. Add in seven puppies and an elderly dog and you have CHAOS! 😅 Like the #Penderwicks and #Vanderbeekers, the Shillings have fights and conflicts, but at the end of the day they have each other's back...which is a good thing because the family dog, Sugar, is getting older...
.
〰️
〰️
I will have no trouble recommending and selling this book students in my library! We have lots of dog lovers and this book addresses the important topic of how to let go of your pet when they reach the end of their life. This beautiful, sensitively-written novel is sure to be a huge hit in elementary and middle school libraries.
.
〰️
〰️
Oh, and don't worry! Hammy the 🐖makes a couple of appearances, too!
.
〰️
〰️
#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat #mgbooks #kidlitexchange
February 7, 2019
All the Stars!!
June 4, 2019
Thank you to the author for sharing this follow up to The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City with our #bookexpedition group!
It was great to be back with the Schilling family and a similar cast of characters (including Hamlet!) from the first book in this series. It’s summer, and Josie’s accepted a part time volunteer job at a local veterinarian’s office. One day, a box of 7 puppies mysteriously arrives, and it’s up to Josie (and her friends & family) to find them homes. Watching the friendship struggles between Josie & her Three Stoops Crew and the familial annoyances that come from being siblings were great for middle grade readers.
Dog lovers...this one will be a bit emotional for you, as I’m sure it was for the author to write (knowing Jodi’s story from social media). But I promise it’s worth it 💯.
It was great to be back with the Schilling family and a similar cast of characters (including Hamlet!) from the first book in this series. It’s summer, and Josie’s accepted a part time volunteer job at a local veterinarian’s office. One day, a box of 7 puppies mysteriously arrives, and it’s up to Josie (and her friends & family) to find them homes. Watching the friendship struggles between Josie & her Three Stoops Crew and the familial annoyances that come from being siblings were great for middle grade readers.
Dog lovers...this one will be a bit emotional for you, as I’m sure it was for the author to write (knowing Jodi’s story from social media). But I promise it’s worth it 💯.
September 30, 2018
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book.
I’m so excited to tell you about this 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 paw read. I highly recommend it; it will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your pets a little tighter. I’m so happy that Hamlet the pig appears in this story, as well as some very cuddly puppies. I thinks it’s a great book for kids to learn more about dogs and the work of veterinarians. It’s important that the author wrote in an accessible way for young readers, while honestly and sensitively dealing with tough topics.
A definite must-read of the year!
I’m so excited to tell you about this 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 paw read. I highly recommend it; it will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your pets a little tighter. I’m so happy that Hamlet the pig appears in this story, as well as some very cuddly puppies. I thinks it’s a great book for kids to learn more about dogs and the work of veterinarians. It’s important that the author wrote in an accessible way for young readers, while honestly and sensitively dealing with tough topics.
A definite must-read of the year!
December 2, 2019
A lovely, bittersweet sequel.
December 16, 2019
I think this book gets a 4 out of 5 because it has a lot of suspense and I like suspense. It also has a lot of drama with her friends and her animals. In the story there is a girl and her dog sugar they live in the city and one days she gets a surprise. Someone asked her if she could take care of some puppies, and of course she said yes. Now she has a big responsibility to take care of these puppies and she hasn't told her parents yet. I would recommend this book to people who like animals and drama.
August 25, 2021
4.5 🌷
Sweet, heartwarming, entertaining
This book is a wonderful sequel to “The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City!” As soon as I started reading, I was immersed in Josie’s quaint and adventurous life.
I loved the variety of plots in this story that kept the book going at a good pace. I was interested the whole time while reading it.
Although I loved this story, it wasn’t very deep. If you are looking for a fun and playful book, this book is perfect. If you are looking for a deep and powerful book, this may not be the best fit.
Sweet, heartwarming, entertaining
This book is a wonderful sequel to “The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City!” As soon as I started reading, I was immersed in Josie’s quaint and adventurous life.
I loved the variety of plots in this story that kept the book going at a good pace. I was interested the whole time while reading it.
Although I loved this story, it wasn’t very deep. If you are looking for a fun and playful book, this book is perfect. If you are looking for a deep and powerful book, this may not be the best fit.
October 26, 2018
This book is so special! It’s especially perfect for kids who love and connect with animals! Josie, her big family, and crew of friends from the three stoops really shine in this smart, fun sequel!
September 26, 2020
An awesome sequel, again I loved the plot and characters. I love dogs and this book was great! The ending was great too!!! Every chapter ended in a cliffhanger.
January 4, 2019
Thank you to the author and Kid Lit Exchange for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
I was so looking forward to visiting Josie and the Schilling family in their too small townhouse that’s full of love (when they aren’t in the midst of the usual sibling bickering) again and I wasn’t disappointed. This time all the familiar neighborhood characters return, including Josie’s best friends in The Three Stoops crew. After she and her friends organized a successful campaign to find a forever home for Hamlet, her little pig, earlier in the year, Josie became well known in her neighborhood as a champion for all animals. As a result, the neighborhood veterinarian offered Josie a volunteer job in her clinic for the summer, which she happily accepted. One day, while Josie was working, a mysterious box appeared on the porch. It contained seven wiggly puppies, along with a note to Josie asking her to please find good homes for the entire bunch. Thus begins a two week campaign to find forever homes for every single one of the adorable puppies.
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I loved entering the world of this lively city neighborhood once again. I loved that Hamlet was still a big part of the story. I loved the relationships among Josie and her friends, including the friendship struggles that are normally a part of the life of every 12 year old. I loved the support among the family members, all seven of them, even when there was the to be expected bickering occurring among the five kids living together in a three bedroom townhome. I loved the stories about Sugar, their beloved golden retriever, and the love each family member had for him. Basically, as you can tell, I just loved the entire book! This is a perfect book to share with all ages, so it would be a great read aloud with the entire family. And if you haven’t read Jodi’s first book, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, you now have two you MUST read!
I’m so hopeful we’ll get to visit the Schilling family again in the near future!
I was so looking forward to visiting Josie and the Schilling family in their too small townhouse that’s full of love (when they aren’t in the midst of the usual sibling bickering) again and I wasn’t disappointed. This time all the familiar neighborhood characters return, including Josie’s best friends in The Three Stoops crew. After she and her friends organized a successful campaign to find a forever home for Hamlet, her little pig, earlier in the year, Josie became well known in her neighborhood as a champion for all animals. As a result, the neighborhood veterinarian offered Josie a volunteer job in her clinic for the summer, which she happily accepted. One day, while Josie was working, a mysterious box appeared on the porch. It contained seven wiggly puppies, along with a note to Josie asking her to please find good homes for the entire bunch. Thus begins a two week campaign to find forever homes for every single one of the adorable puppies.
🐶
I loved entering the world of this lively city neighborhood once again. I loved that Hamlet was still a big part of the story. I loved the relationships among Josie and her friends, including the friendship struggles that are normally a part of the life of every 12 year old. I loved the support among the family members, all seven of them, even when there was the to be expected bickering occurring among the five kids living together in a three bedroom townhome. I loved the stories about Sugar, their beloved golden retriever, and the love each family member had for him. Basically, as you can tell, I just loved the entire book! This is a perfect book to share with all ages, so it would be a great read aloud with the entire family. And if you haven’t read Jodi’s first book, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, you now have two you MUST read!
I’m so hopeful we’ll get to visit the Schilling family again in the near future!
January 21, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you @kidlitexchange and Jodi Kendall for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Dog Days in the City released on 10/2/18.
After reading An Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, I was thrilled to see what was in store next for Josie and her friends and family. Josie has quit gymnastics and is spending time volunteering for Dr. Stern at the local veterinary clinic. One day, while she is volunteering at the clinic, someone drops off a cardboard box with a note addressed to Josie. The box contains a litter of 7 puppies! It takes a group effort from Dr. Stern, her family, and the Three Stoops gang, to care for the puppies and come up with a plan for a Puppy Adoptathon!
In the midst of the excitement of caring for the puppies, Josie must deal with other obstacles. The family dog, Sugar, hasn’t been doing well, and the prognosis from the vet is not good news. She feels like she is losing her best friend Lucy now that she is no longer doing gymnastics and doesn’t have a phone. She has a crush on her friend and neighbor Sully, and doesn’t quite know how to handle it. And she learns that her long time neighbor, Mrs. Taglioni, is selling her townhouse and moving in with her brother at the farm.
Even though she has to deal with unexpected changes, Josie learns a lot about growing up, and that she has friends and a family that she can count on.
I just loved this book. I was anxious to see what was next for Josie & the Schilling family. I really liked that Josie had some changes to deal with, as many other children her age will be able to identify with her and the challenges she faced. I loved how Josie was able to go to the farm each month to visit Hamlet. I also enjoyed how the adorable puppies brought everyone together. I found myself crying both tears of sadness and joy in the last few chapters of the book, but in the end, my heart was full of joy. I highly recommend this book for kiddos in grades 4 and up.
Thank you @kidlitexchange and Jodi Kendall for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Dog Days in the City released on 10/2/18.
After reading An Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, I was thrilled to see what was in store next for Josie and her friends and family. Josie has quit gymnastics and is spending time volunteering for Dr. Stern at the local veterinary clinic. One day, while she is volunteering at the clinic, someone drops off a cardboard box with a note addressed to Josie. The box contains a litter of 7 puppies! It takes a group effort from Dr. Stern, her family, and the Three Stoops gang, to care for the puppies and come up with a plan for a Puppy Adoptathon!
In the midst of the excitement of caring for the puppies, Josie must deal with other obstacles. The family dog, Sugar, hasn’t been doing well, and the prognosis from the vet is not good news. She feels like she is losing her best friend Lucy now that she is no longer doing gymnastics and doesn’t have a phone. She has a crush on her friend and neighbor Sully, and doesn’t quite know how to handle it. And she learns that her long time neighbor, Mrs. Taglioni, is selling her townhouse and moving in with her brother at the farm.
Even though she has to deal with unexpected changes, Josie learns a lot about growing up, and that she has friends and a family that she can count on.
I just loved this book. I was anxious to see what was next for Josie & the Schilling family. I really liked that Josie had some changes to deal with, as many other children her age will be able to identify with her and the challenges she faced. I loved how Josie was able to go to the farm each month to visit Hamlet. I also enjoyed how the adorable puppies brought everyone together. I found myself crying both tears of sadness and joy in the last few chapters of the book, but in the end, my heart was full of joy. I highly recommend this book for kiddos in grades 4 and up.
February 14, 2019
Thank you @kidlitexchange and @jodi_kendall for sharing this wonderful MG book. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City and have been super anxious to read this sequel. It was just as charming and even made me get quite emotional towards the end. This one picks up where the first story ended. You can definitley follow along, but will get so much more if you read book 1 first!
Josie is now volunteering at the Eastside Veterinary Clinic. She is suprised one day to find a box full of seven puppies left on the stoop. She takes on the responsibility to foster the cute pups and find them all forever homes within two weeks. Once again, the Stoops Crew uses their individual talents to help organize an amazing adoption event.
Dog lovers are going to have all the feels for this book. From the chaos to raising young puppies to saying goodbye to old pets, this one definitley pulls at all those heartstrings. It was fun to catch up with the family and favorite cast members again. Hamlet even makes a few entertaining appearances! Not only is this a charming story, but it also tackles some great teenage topics. Body changes, the longing for a cell phone, young love and navigating evolving friendships. I love that Josie is in that in between age where she feels slightly annoyed hanging with her younger sister, but not ready to join the older crowd. It also covers saying farewell to new friends and tackles the tough descions that need to be discussed about an aging pet. This is done in such a loving, gentle manner.
This series is a must buy for me!!! Fingers crossed for a third one.
I absolutely loved The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City and have been super anxious to read this sequel. It was just as charming and even made me get quite emotional towards the end. This one picks up where the first story ended. You can definitley follow along, but will get so much more if you read book 1 first!
Josie is now volunteering at the Eastside Veterinary Clinic. She is suprised one day to find a box full of seven puppies left on the stoop. She takes on the responsibility to foster the cute pups and find them all forever homes within two weeks. Once again, the Stoops Crew uses their individual talents to help organize an amazing adoption event.
Dog lovers are going to have all the feels for this book. From the chaos to raising young puppies to saying goodbye to old pets, this one definitley pulls at all those heartstrings. It was fun to catch up with the family and favorite cast members again. Hamlet even makes a few entertaining appearances! Not only is this a charming story, but it also tackles some great teenage topics. Body changes, the longing for a cell phone, young love and navigating evolving friendships. I love that Josie is in that in between age where she feels slightly annoyed hanging with her younger sister, but not ready to join the older crowd. It also covers saying farewell to new friends and tackles the tough descions that need to be discussed about an aging pet. This is done in such a loving, gentle manner.
This series is a must buy for me!!! Fingers crossed for a third one.
May 27, 2021
Josie's little moment of fame rescuing Hamlet leads someone to drop off a litter of puppies at the vet clinic where she volunteers with a note asking Josie to find them good homes. Josie is immediately keen on the idea, but the vet says she has to get her parents to agree to foster them till they find homes. While Josie figures out how to work up the courage to do that, she's also trying to navigate her friendships which have gotten weird of late. She also finds out that her beloved elderly neighbor is moving, and she isn't sure about the new girl moving in. And then the family dog, Sugar, starts developing worrying symptoms. Will this summer be a disaster or is there good in it?
I was rolling my eyes at Josie and how she just prolonged her suffering by not talking to her parents, but I totally remember doing similar things as a tween and teen. The friendship issues are very realistic. I like the little bits about what it is like to volunteer at a vet clinic. The puppies are cute, and the changes are dealt with in bittersweet ways. It still bugs me as someone who grew up in Columbus that this is supposed to be set in Columbus, Ohio and the characters talk about taking trains places when that is not even an option in Columbus. Hand this to animal lovers, and those who like very real life plot lines.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. A dog and a turtle do die in the story.
I was rolling my eyes at Josie and how she just prolonged her suffering by not talking to her parents, but I totally remember doing similar things as a tween and teen. The friendship issues are very realistic. I like the little bits about what it is like to volunteer at a vet clinic. The puppies are cute, and the changes are dealt with in bittersweet ways. It still bugs me as someone who grew up in Columbus that this is supposed to be set in Columbus, Ohio and the characters talk about taking trains places when that is not even an option in Columbus. Hand this to animal lovers, and those who like very real life plot lines.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. A dog and a turtle do die in the story.
October 2, 2018
I absolutely loved this heartwarming story of Josie and her large, chaotic family, and the Three Stoops crew!! The second book explores Josie’s relationships more and my favorite part is that you get to know the secondary characters in a different way. The puppies add a playful spin to the story and made me tear up thinking of my own pets. But the real page turner for me is all about how Josie deals with the new challenges of her family and friends. I could relate to her feeling like her best friend drifting away and having different interests.
I read the first book in the series - The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City. While it’s not necessary to read first, it is more fun to read about the characters in this book when you’ve already had a chance to get to know them in the first book.
Highly recommend!!
I read the first book in the series - The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City. While it’s not necessary to read first, it is more fun to read about the characters in this book when you’ve already had a chance to get to know them in the first book.
Highly recommend!!
October 28, 2018
What an absolute pleasure to be back with Josie and the rest of the Shillings. I loved every second of this book, as it delved deeper into the characters’ wants, insecurities, problems, and how they solved them. Josie is growing into a spectacular young lady, one whom is he proud to recommend to my students as a character role model. She is empathic, resilient, and compassionate.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions for me, as I’m quite sure it was for the author. I relate to so much in this book, and I’m certain it will help my students who are encountering change and sadness in their lives. It’s so SO good for kids to see that you can come out on the other side.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions for me, as I’m quite sure it was for the author. I relate to so much in this book, and I’m certain it will help my students who are encountering change and sadness in their lives. It’s so SO good for kids to see that you can come out on the other side.
August 19, 2023
I listened to this gem with my 12 and 8 year old children. Josie has grown up a little, with new concerns about body odor, crushes, and cell phone envy. She also has new responsibility - volunteering at the veterinary office and fostering a litter of puppies. Much of the book involves Josie's love of animals and sadly includes a tender discussion of pet death. The young audio book narrator, Cassandra Morris, did excellent work.
April 16, 2019
"Dog Days in the City" is about a girl named Josie. She receives a package with seven puppies needing a forever home. Josie is willing to foster them, but there is conflict in her life. What I loved about this book is how real it seems. Another thing I loved is the emotions within it. (review by Daphne, 6th grade)
March 22, 2020
I unknowingly broke my cardinal reading rule with this book. To reveal it would be a spoiler, but my students would know what that rule is. Josie is charming as ever, and this breezy little read just soothed my heart during these uncertain times. Hoping for a third adventure for Josie, the Shillings, and the Three Stoops Crew.
July 14, 2020
I read this to my sons and 250 pages (!!) in it got really, really sad. But we were in too deep. I don’t think it should be spoiled, but I would have wanted some warning on the back cover or something. It was a fine book but my sister wouldn’t have bought it and I wouldn’t have chosen to read this to them if I knew how it was going to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2021
Este é o meu guilty pleasure: ler livros para os quais já não tenho idade. E adoro.
Josie gosta tanto de animais quanto eu e através da sua história conhecemos uma ninhada de 7 cãezinhos que lhe vão parar às mãos. Cabe a Josie a tarefa de arranjar donos para cada um deles.
Josie gosta tanto de animais quanto eu e através da sua história conhecemos uma ninhada de 7 cãezinhos que lhe vão parar às mãos. Cabe a Josie a tarefa de arranjar donos para cada um deles.
August 7, 2024
This was a heartwarming story that involves several puppies needing a home,an aging dog, and a coming of age for a young girl and her friends. This is actually the second book in the series, and while the plot it very predictable. It turned out to be very heartwarming.
October 9, 2018
Oh, I absolutely adored this. Sweet, poignant, sad, and so real. I loved the first book, but I loved this even more.
January 21, 2019
Warning, do not read this book without tissues. What a beautiful story about family, friends and the animals that we love. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re an animal lover.
January 31, 2019
Absolutely loved this book!! Such an awesome sequel to Unlikely story of a pig in the city...but even if you haven’t read that, you’ll love this book!!
February 7, 2019
Just a sweet old-fashioned story -- the kind many parents want their children to read.
March 1, 2019
the follow-up book to The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, written by a friend of mine. This was a wonderful book to read with my boys. Highly recommend it!
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