E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Kara and Alice have been friends for years, and enjoy reenacting episodes from their favorite show, Shinpi Riders. (Not a real show, as far as I can tell.) When Alice has to move right before middle school starts, Kara is devastated, and when Alice doesn't answer her phone calls, she is inconsolable. She decides to skip the first day of school and ride her bike to Alice's town so that the two of them can catch up, and she can bring Alice back with her if she is unhappy. Along with her ferret, Gidget, Kara starts off, ignoring calls from her mother and using the GPS on her phone until the battery runs out. There are some fun adventures, like helping a boy set up a farm stall and helping a woman whose store was ransacked by a runaway deer, but there are also lots of problems. At one point, she is asleep in an abandoned car when a park ranger finds her and gives her a meal, has her call home, and offers to drive her. Since she hasn't made it to Alice's school yet, she runs away. At the school, the interaction doesn't go well, and she goes to Alice's house, where it isn't any better. Alice has not been happy with the friendship for a long time, and is tired of Shinpi Riders and of always having to do what Kara wants. When Kara starts at her new school, will she be able to find new friends, and will she eventually heal her rift with Alice?
Strengths: It's hard to go wrong with a book about middle grade friendship problems, and young readers often have very strong feelings about certain books or shows (Warriors fans, anyone?).It's good to see this struggle played out between Kara and Alice. The adventure is fun, and I can't think of any other books featuring ferrets. Bonus points for making their own Shinpi Riders masks.
Weaknesses: Kara bikes around the countryside without anyone knowing where she is, with a ferret, and without a helmet! There are so, so many dangerous things that Kara does that I was really irritated as a parent, although young readers will just think about the adventure. I found Kara annoying.
What I really think: The lack of bike helmet, along with the flowing scarf that is bound to get caught in the tires, causing a bad injury (think Edna St. Vincent Millay!) really bothered me. If I have extra money next year, I may purchase.

Jo is a lonely girl whose father is working overseas for long periods of time. She also finds it difficult to make friends. One day while staring out her window, she sees a dog with a basket and no human nearby. She runs out the door to follow the dog. She witnesses the dog go to each shop around the square with a list in the basket and shop. She follows the dog to a bookstore where an art class is taking place. Everyone assumes Jo is the dog's owner, and she isn't able to speak up for herself to contradict them. Her lie eventually gets out of control.

Pawcasso was delightful quick read that young middle school and reluctant readers will love. Jo is a lonely kid struggling with an absent dad. She sees a dog with a basket in its mouth and makes it her mission to find out who's dog he is. When there is a case of mistaken identity, Jo inadvertently is caught up in town politics. This book is phenomenal and deserves heaps of praise for its artistic expression and engaging plot.

This was a wonderful book that tells about dog love, telling the truth, and not to let anger cloud your judgement.

One day Jo meets a unique dog that is shopping on his own. Soon enough a few white lies about owning "Pawcasso" snowball into a full blown almost civil-war between the Picassos and the Duchamps about the leash law within the town. Before she knows it Jo is caught between wanting to tell the truth and be called a liar or keep the lie going and be called a liar when she's found out. I will definitely be recommending this book to my patrons who not only love dogs but as an important lesson about telling the truth.

A sweet story about a young girl who misses her dad and feels that he doesn’t really care about her because he is always away from home. She “accidentally” tells a group of kids that the local “shopping” dog is hers and digs herself a deeper hole each day that she fails to clear up the mistake.

Remy Lai does it again! Once more, the author of Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall, delivers a story full of both humor and heart. Unlike the first two stories, Pawcasso is a full graphic novel, and one that will be as loved by young readers as much as the titular dog is loved by Jo and her new friends.
Jo, the ultimate middle child between twin toddlers and a teenage sister, sees an endless summer of boredom ahead of her until she follows a dog carrying a basket. At first concerned that he is alone without his owner, she is awestruck as he goes from one shop to the next to purchase items from a list. When she is mistaken for the dog's owner, she tries to tell the truth, but the misunderstanding snowballs until Jo is fully invested in the lie, spending each Saturday accompanying "Pawcasso" on his rounds and to an art class, where she has begun to make friends. Of course, the ruse cannot go on forever, and Jo's conscience tortures her. As an added stressor, Jo's father works far away from home and his intermittent visits have taken a toll on Jo especially.
In this story about friendships, families, and community, a friendly dog and a lonely girl forge a special relationship that creates a ripple effect in the world around them. Readers will laugh at Pawcasso's antics and commiserate with Jo's anxiety and loneliness. Remy Lai knows how to write a satisfying, hopeful ending that doesn't feel forced, but like placing the last piece in a puzzle. I enjoyed this graphic novel so much, and look forward to sharing it with students!
Thank you to #netgalley, #macmillan, and #holtbooksforyoungreaders for sharing the eARC of this book at my request. Opinions are my own and freely shared.

Remy Lai does it again! It will be impossible not to fall for Jo, who just wants to fit in; or Pawcasso, an irresistible, talented dog who “becomes” Jo’s... A hearty tale, beautifully illustrated (graphic novel) that explores themes of family, truth, friendship, following rules, speaking up...

Adorable graphic novel about an independent dog and a well meaning girl who get in over her head when a tiny lie snow balls. Vivid illustrations compliment this story that deals with truth, loss, and being vulnerable to love. Lots of emotions packed into a sweet book.

This is a perfect book for my students who love dogs. Who wouldn't love Picasso? They will love his name and the idea that a dog can go shopping. What is so sweet is the way he befriends Jo, making her loneliness and boredom disappear and giving her the strength to realize her own self-worth. Vibrant illustrations and a delightful read!

A perfect GN for dog lovers, book lovers, or anyone who wants a heartwarming story. Jo is lonely and bored one Saturday when she sees a shopping dog. A little lie gains her some friends, but it spreads quickly. Readers will enjoy Remy Lai’s latest book!

OMG! I love Pawcasso so much! An adorable story about how quickly a lie can spiral out of control. Kids are going to love this story!

Sweet kid-appropriate graphic novel about a young girl who is mistaken as the owner of a remarkable dog and ends up having to hide her lie as the pooch because a symbol of division in the town play. There is also a tender, artfully rendered subplot regarding love, loss, and risking opening your heart to people who may leave.

This was so cute! I loved everything about it! The story was great and the art was absolutely adorable! I honestly enjoyed every moment of reading this adorable comic.

3.5, rounded up. I'm not a dog person, but Pawcasso is so sweet I couldn't help but love him. The message about love and hate coming from the heart is told well, though I wish some of the aspects about Jo's dad were explored a little bit more.

Who is that mysterious spaniel that trots down the streets every Saturday with grocery lists and book requests in his basket? When Jo tries to follow him, she's assumed to be his human, and dubs him "Pawcasso" when approached at an art class. As Pawcasso's popularity with the community grows, the harder it is for Jo to keep up with the charade that he's her dog. It's harder now with a grumpy neighbor calling animal control on Pawcasso for not wearing a leash. How can Jo keep him safe if she can't find his family? Pawcasso is sweet, silly, and all too relatable to anyone who lives with (or even just knows!) a friendly, outgoing hound.