2026
WISE Score
The PAWS crew faces a rival dog-walking business in a turf war that asks: at what point do the 'good guys' become the bullies?
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Think of this as the Baby-Sitters Club for the 2026 pet-obsessed generation. It’s got the same focus on friendship and logistics, but with a much faster, graphic-novel pace that keeps it from ever feeling dusty.
It’s a solid pick for kids who liked Smile or Real Friends. It doesn't just offer fluff; it actually challenges the readers to think about fairness in a way that feels earned rather than lectured. Plus, the dogs are adorable.
Perfect for ages 8 to 12. It’s the sweet spot for kids who are starting to navigate more complex social hierarchies and want stories that feel 'real' but still have plenty of cute animals.
It captures the messy, high-energy reality of middle-school friendships and small-business ownership without being preachy. The focus on empathy and animal care is a win.
While it's a slice-of-life story, the creative problem-solving and the vibrant graphic novel format encourage kids to think about their own community-based projects.
Extremely safe middle-grade territory. The 'conflict' involves flyers and competition, not anything that would shock a young reader.
Great exploration of business ethics and the realization that 'standing your ground' can sometimes slide into being the antagonist.
Graphic novels for middle-grade readers are a crowded field right now, but PAWS: The Trouble with Leo stands out by leaning into the 'business' side of childhood. It’s not just about girls hanging out with dogs; it’s about the stress of maintaining a brand when a rival (the boy-led SCAMPS) moves in on your territory.
What’s particularly smart here is the moral pivot. The girls of PAWS initially see themselves as the victims of Leo’s new business, but their retaliation tactics—sabotaging flyers and general pettiness—force them (and the reader) to realize they aren't exactly the heroes of the story at that moment. It’s a great lesson in how quickly 'defending your turf' can turn into gatekeeping.
"PAWS is here to stay!" — Bryan Lee O’Malley
If your kid has already burned through the Dog Man series and needs something with a bit more emotional weight (but still wants the visual energy), this is the natural next step. It’s high-quality, ethically interesting, and perfectly calibrated for the 4th-to-6th-grade social landscape.
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