Is this part of a series?

Yes, Gabby Gets It Together is the series starter. There are multiple follow-up books focusing on the other girls in the group, Mindy and Priya, so if your kid likes this one, there's a built-in reading list.

Is it too 'girly' for boys who like dogs?

Not at all. While the three protagonists are girls, the focus on dogs and the 'business' of dog-walking has broad appeal. Any kid who is a fan of animals or the Dog Man style of humor will find something to like here.

How difficult is the reading level?

It's perfect for 2nd to 5th graders. The vocabulary is accessible, and the graphic novel format provides heavy visual context clues for struggling readers.

Does the dog die or get seriously hurt?

No. There is a moment where a dog goes missing, which creates some tension and 'peril,' but it's resolved happily. No Old Yeller trauma here.

PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2025

90%

WISE Score

The Baby-Sitters Club for the pet-obsessed, packed into a vibrant graphic novel that actually respects a kid's hustle.

PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

book

2025

90%

WISE Score

The Baby-Sitters Club for the pet-obsessed, packed into a vibrant graphic novel that actually respects a kid's hustle.

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Screenwise Verdict

PAWS is a total win for the graphic novel shelf. It’s got the heart of a classic friendship story updated for kids who are more interested in side-hustles and cute pups than babysitting.

If your kid is a fan of Raina Telgemeier or the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels, this is a no-brainer. It’s clean, smart, and actually teaches a few things about compromise without feeling like a lecture.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 7-11 crowd. It hits that sweet spot for kids who have outgrown Dog Man but aren't quite ready for the heavier themes of teen YA.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s a masterclass in healthy-but-realistic friendship dynamics. The girls deal with jealousy and differing work ethics without falling into 'mean girl' tropes.

Imaginative

While it's a grounded slice-of-life story, the visual storytelling and creative problem-solving regarding the dog-walking business show great spark.

Safe

Extremely safe middle-grade fare. No mature content, just some emotional tension when the girls argue or a pet is in temporary peril.

Enriching

Teaches basic entrepreneurship, responsibility, and the emotional labor of maintaining a three-way friendship. It’s a great bridge for kids transitioning from purely silly books to more character-driven stories.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Entrepreneurial Spark: It makes starting a small business look fun but doesn't shy away from the actual work and organization involved.
Relatable Friction: The girls don't always get along, and the book handles their 'business vs. friendship' tension with real nuance.
Animal Empathy: Perfect for kids who are desperate for a dog but stuck in 'no-pet' households.
Visual Pacing: The art style is bright and accessible, making it a great 'gateway' book for reluctant readers who find prose-heavy novels intimidating.

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What to Watch For

Friendship Blowups: There is a central conflict where the girls' fighting leads to a 'doggo crisis'—it’s resolved, but the emotional stakes feel high for younger readers.
The 'Unfair' Factor: The characters deal with feeling like life is unfair because they can't have pets; be prepared for some 'but why can't I have a dog?' lobbying after they finish reading.

Conversation Starters

"If you and your friends started a business, what would you call it and what would you do?"
"Why do you think Gabby, Priya, and Mindy had such a hard time agreeing on how to handle the dogs?"
"What is the hardest part about being responsible for someone else's pet?"
"How do you fix a friendship after a big fight about something important like work?"

Deep Dive

The 'Telgemeier' Effect

We are living in the golden age of middle-grade graphic novels, and PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together fits right into the top tier. It follows the blueprint laid out by books like Smile and Real Friends—bright colors, expressive faces, and a plot that centers entirely on the 'life-or-death' stakes of elementary school social circles.

What sets PAWS apart is the business angle. While many books for this age group focus on school projects or sports, Gabby and her friends are actually trying to build something. They deal with the logistics of scheduling, the stress of difficult 'clients' (the dogs), and the realization that just because you love animals doesn't mean you're good at managing a business with your friends.

Why it sticks

For a parent, the best part of this book is how it models conflict resolution. The 'crisis' in the book—a lost dog—isn't just a plot device for excitement; it's the direct result of the girls failing to communicate. Seeing them own up to their mistakes and reorganize their 'company' is a great subtle lesson in accountability.

It’s also worth noting the diversity of the cast. The girls come from different backgrounds and have different family structures, which is handled naturally rather than being the 'point' of the story. It makes the world of the book feel like the real world most kids live in today. If you're looking for something to keep a kid quiet in the car for an hour that you won't feel guilty about later, this is the one.

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PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise