A charming, classic adventure tale about the scary, crazy, and heart-thumpingly joyful plunge into connecting with others.

A foxhound has spent her life behind bars, known only by the PZ-5934 tattoo in her ear. In this story, inspired by the life of a real lab dog, PZ knows nothing but a laboratory cage. She has never even seen the sun. But a super-powered diva ladybug named Dottie changes all that.

The unlikely pair undertake a hilarious and adventurous road trip through civilization and finally find a home with Olivia, a restless, solitary girl who has secrets of her own. Unexpected adventures await the dog, the girl, and the ladybug as a shocking, hidden part of their town reveals itself and everyone must sort out when to trust and when to battle.

The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ, lyrical and approachable, has both humor and heart. Although intended for children eight through 12, its classic unfolding and off-beat characters tickle the fancy of adults as well. It is both an adventure story and a tale with many layers - about overcoming obstacles, mining experience for what matters, and doing what is necessary, though not always desirable, for friendship. Ultimately, it is about the joy of a hard-won connection.

Taming of PZ is a fresh, poignant, wise, and sometimes downright wacky book.

"Not since Kafka has an insect risen to this level of artistic genius." (Dottie)