A hilarious tale about canine care... 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.
- Kirkus Reviews
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.
- Book Life / Publishers Weekly
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.
- Reader Views
Loved it! 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!
- Reedsy Discovery
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.
- Literary Titan
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? 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... It 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.
- The Book Commentary
2023-12-19
In this chapter book, a girl learns what it means to own a pooch as she tries to find the courage to scoop the dog’s poop.
Maya Union, a brown-skinned girl, and her family live in an “Island Nation” where dogs are a novelty. The island’s inhabitants—the Puddin’ Heads and the Sweeties—know nothing about canines and their care. Nevertheless, an American official ships a bunch of puppies to the island, who are adopted by the Puddin’ Heads. On this island, devotion to Puddin’ Head or Sweetie identity is essential. Kosmos’ children’s story about dog care and political orientation opens with a close friend, Lily, visiting Maya to see her newly adopted puppy, Waggers. Maya’s sister, Blaze, a “football and rock star,” is going on tour soon and the Union family plans to accompany her. Maya begs to remain home to care for Waggers or for Lily’s family to take the dog and both girls. But as Sweeties, Lily’s parents refuse. They believe that “puppies are for Puddin’ Heads, not Sweeties.” As a result, Maya, Lily, and Waggers must spend a week with the dreaded Uncle Kal, who prides himself on his brand-new MegaCorp lawn, an innovative product that needs to establish its roots. But while dealing with her uncle’s pristine lawn and his neighborhood’s strong Puddin’ Head identity, Maya learns she must find a place for Waggers’ poop. She considers several options—even the idea of training the puppy notto poop—and realizes that locating a new lawn for the dog is the solution. But after an eye-opening neighborhood adventure, Maya concludes that she might have to scoop the poop after all. 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.
A hilarious tale about canine care and political differences.
