I expected the dog to be a painter, hence the name, but this was something entirely different. The story’s very silly, and the way the city splits divisively in favor or against Pawcasso almost feels like a cheeky joke at most politics. Now, if you don’t like stories, where lying is the central theme and you’re just waiting for the inevitable, then this won’t be for you. But I thought this story was very charming, and it had such a cute art style.

Bottom line: If you don’t clear up misunderstandings, they snowball into huge lies!

Also, what was Jo's dad's job??? what are you doing where you're away half the year all the time? Military? working overseas?

3.5 ( )

7/10, what a nice, carefree story about a lost dog, very charming. ( )

Pawcasso tells the story of a young girl, Jo, who happens upon an off-leash dog shopping with a basket without its owner. She follows the dog on its travels which lead to a children's art class in a bookstore called Dog Ears. When everyone mistakes Jo as the owner, she is unable and doesn't correct them. When they invite her back the next week, she sees an opportunity to make friends. As Jo later states, she “made a Chihuahua-sized lie, but it’s snowballed into a great Dane-sized lie.”

Remy Lai creates a sweet story that readers of Raina Telegemeier will love. They’ll connect with the main character who has a big heart, but struggles with life’s complexities. Early on in the book, the owner of Dog Ears leads a book club and wonders, “If love comes from the heart, does hate come from the brain?” Jo is able to answer that question by the end of the book and help rival townspeople come together.

The artwork is bright and expressive. Remy Lai Is especially adept at drawing Pawcasso’s movements and perspectives, including the satisfied look on the dog’s face after it has rolled in poop.

A first choice pick for any elementary school library’s graphic novel section. ( )

I really enjoy Remy Lai's storytelling -- it's never quite as simple as it seems to be, and the stories are quite original. In this one, lonely, frustrated 11 YO Jo happens upon a dog who's an independent shopper and things spiral out of control. In the background, her father is often away for long periods of time, and she is sad about that. She craves friendship and finds it. She lies and finds a way to make amends. And an estranged family comes back together. Funny, friendly, full of poop and great characters. ( )