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“Clean Your Dog’s Poop!”
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? follows a young girl who rescues a new puppy and leans all that is involved with pet ownership. What was the inspiration for your story?
I knew I wanted to write a humorous series for middle grade readers (ages 8-12) that was (an age appropriate) spinoff of the young adult story of Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools, using Blaze’s little sister Maya as the protagonist. I wanted to weave in themes of dog care and responsibility while continuing the absurdity of the Puddin’ Heads vs. the Sweeties because the us vs. them polarization and thinking in the U.S. and beyond has become so ridiculous that even six-year-olds can see it. Because Maya’s best friend is a Sweetie visiting Puddin’ Head Island, the themes of friendship and courage are taken to new levels. I thought it would be interesting if the series revolved around an entire nation (Island Nation) suddenly having dogs for the first time. And Maya would be in the middle of learning how to take care of a rescue puppy, Waggers. My family’s lab mix, which has a ridiculous wagging tail, inspired the creation of Waggers. The character Boofie was inspired by pillow fights with my niece (boof!). Community complaints on social media about “clean your dog’s poop!” inspired book #1.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The values of responsibility, friendship, community, critical thinking, and inclusion rise to the top. As one reader said to me, “In a funny way, this story teaches kids to think critically.” That made my day.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Find the courage to face fears and question ludicrous ideas. See the joy, wonder, and beauty alongside the mundane. Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Find the unity in diversity.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
It will be an even wilder story involving a stolen pooper scooper and a firestorm of upset neighbors. Spring 2024.
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“I Have to Scoop What?” follows Maya and her best friend Lily’s hilarious efforts to take care of a new rescue puppy, Waggers, at Uncle Puddin’ Head’s home. But Maya refuses to scoop poop, her uncle really, really cares about his perfect lawn, and the odd neighbors aren’t exactly fans of Maya’s creative solutions in their yards.
A humorous tale of friendship, responsibility, and courage within one of the strangest neighborhoods you will ever see, hear, or smell.
A chapter book for ages 8 and up. I Have to Scoop What? is the book series launch of Maya and Waggers!
Children’s Fiction / Dogs / Humor / Adventure
Themes: dogs, animals, pet care and responsibility, humor, courage, friendship, community and inclusion, growing up.
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What?
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. As her first encounter with a dog, Maya’s excitement is palpable, but she quickly learns that owning a pet comes with its own set of challenges, notably the less glamorous aspect of scooping poop. This narrative, crafted with a blend of humor and realism, explores the responsibilities and joys of pet ownership through Maya’s eyes.
Author W.T. Kosmos skillfully captures the essence of childhood curiosity and responsibility. Maya’s character is portrayed authentically, mirroring the behavior and mindset of a child her age. Her reactions and solutions to the challenges of pet care, alongside her friend Lily, are both inventive and relatable. Kosmos’s portrayal of a young girl navigating the ups and downs of pet ownership is a refreshing take in a genre often dominated by male protagonists and their canine companions. The book’s humor is subtle yet effective, keeping readers engaged and chuckling from start to finish. The character dynamics and the portrayal of Maya’s neighborhood hint at the potential for future stories in this setting. The illustrations, though limited in number, enrich the narrative with their delightful visual charm, leaving readers eager for more.
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? 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. Kosmos’s ability to channel a child’s viewpoint makes this book a delightful addition to children’s literature.
Pages: 91 | ASIN : B0CLL1KNLS
LITERARY TITAN 