Dart and the SquirrelsAuthor: Nicole IzmaylovReviewed by Fran LewisTold by Dart: with some help from FranLife as a dog is not easy according to one German shepherd named Dar. Dealing with humans can be stressful because they (of course they’re wrong) think that dogs do not understand what they are saying. They control their movements, what they eat, and even decide when to embarrass them by taking them to school for Show and Tell. But: I am getting ahead of myself. I bet you’re wondering whose writing this review of author Nicole Izmaylov’s book “Dart and the Squirrels.” Well: From this point on it’s going to be me DART! Who better to tell you the story, the hidden truth about life with this weird and zany family than the dog-living it- ME! Of course author and reviewer Fran Lewis has been kind enough to type it for me since I do not have access to a computer.How did this all happen? I was a dog living at the local pound when these five people came in, looked us all over and chose me. Imagine that! After haggling and discussing it with the owner of the pound, the sale was made and I thought free. WRONG! My first stop was the vet’s office. I know humans hate checkups- what about dogs? Next, they sent me for a short stint to obedience school. My owner, that’s the Dad, did not like the trainer and the whole experience was totally aggravating and humiliating to me. Then, they stuffed me into a care, put me in the back seat of their car and homeward bound. So, how did I wind up in Charlie’s classroom? Find out by reading it yourself. You will not believe what happens to the poor substitute teacher and where Charlie winds up. I bet you’re wondering what the story has to do with squirrels. I am coming to it now. After the short tornado that rocked the community and caused a tree to fall down in our living room this poor squirrel had nowhere else to go but into our lives. This family thought it might be fun to adopt this pesky pet. Wait until you see what happens next. You will not believe it. Someone comes to fix the hole in the house. They name the poor squirrel Emilia Vuvuzela Scribe and they convince me that I am special. But, Emilia likes to create mischief and annoy poor me all the time. She messes with the chess set, eats Charlie’s homework, and does everything in her power to get me poor Dart in trouble. Trying to converse with a squirrel is impossible. Getting blamed for eating the homework, scaring dear Emilia not fair! Explaining myself fell on deaf human ears. Poor me: I get punished and placed outside to sleep. What could be worse? Banshee, that’s one of the kids, loves talking to me as if she is starring in a Shakespearean play. Then things began to change. I love eating the scraps of the omelets that fall under the table. But, I cannot live here anymore with this pesky miserable squirrel. I formulate a plan that I hope will work. First, I have to find a way to LEAVE! Then I must drive this squirrels nuts and finally RUN! Well part one almost works. I get out and find my way to this man I called Beefy’s house hoping to hang out there for a while. What happens is hilarious and I do not want to ruin your fun. So read it for yourself, you will be doubled over. It’s too funny. But, my final step is to drive that squirrel crazy. How I do it remains to be seen. Just when I thought things could not get any worse along comes another squirrel who is definitely star struck with our Emilia. This squirrel understands Canish and we begin to communicate with each other, as I understand his language too. I definitely think he comes form another time period. No matter how he tries I do not want to be friends or help him with his scheme to rescue dear Emilia. The banter between the animals helps the reader enter the minds of these 2 adorable creatures with distinct personalities. One who is trying to find his place with this family and other who wants in? Will they team up to save Emilia from sadness and depression? This squirrel ahs a voice that we hear as he expresses his feelings for Emilia and wants our Dart Onion to help him out. But, will I? The truth is I can’t stand him and I really hate getting in trouble all the time. To make matters worse the Dad finds me in my new home or hiding place. He and Beefy argue and out I go back to where I came from. What is really wrong with poor Emilia? The kids are getting reading for school and Emilia seems sad. The novelty of having a squirrel as a pet seems to have worn off. As the holiday season approaches this family celebrates it in quite a unique way. Imagine getting dressed in costumes, even me for a New Years Party. How humiliating? But, I am going to find a way to make my Santa outfit, yes you read it right, work for me and maybe help two squirrels. Emilia wants out. But, does she really want to leave or does she like the other squirrel? Do they speak they same language? What happens next will endear you to our favorite German shepherd named Dart. How does our Santa Dart help the two star crossed squirrel’s. Will I let her run away or will there will a Christmas miracle? Read this fun filled story one me: Dart: a cool German shepherd who finds living with one Dad, one Mom, one boy, one Banshee and one girl and don’t forget the squirrels a challenge and much more.Author Nicole Izmaylov teachers many lessons of family love, loyalty, fun, holiday spirit, and friendship in this outstanding book. Thanks Nicole: Reading your book definitely made me smile.This book gets Three Darts, One Emilia and one Prince Ferdinand.Fran Lewis: reviewer This book was entertaining, funny and a quick read but I am having difficulty figuring out what age level it is good for. This book is a story about a dog named Dart that is adopted into the Scribe family. The book is narrated by Dart and is comical, not only does he give his input on humans, he also discusses the story of two squirrels; Emilia and Ferdinand that come into his life. This book is good for many ages, I recommend it.
What do You think about Dart And The Squirrels (2011)?
The illustrations and text will make you laugh hysterically. This is an excellent book!
—Sylvia
This an excellent read by a truly great author that has so much talent.
—Rena
I found this book to be extremely humorous and well written!
—littlereader
