Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Pepsi the Problem Puppy is a children’s book written by Sandi Parsons and illustrated by Aśka. After deciding to adopt a rescue puppy from the animal shelter, Dave Parsons quickly discovers that not all dogs are as adorable as they look in a photo. Dave’s daughter, Rosie, does her best to train Pepsi, as the dog gets into all manner of mischief, while costing money in food, vet bills and repairs. The Parsons family discovers many things about Pepsi, such as her fear of straw brooms and thunderstorms, but it is not until heartbreak hits the Parsons' household that Pepsi shows what she is really capable of.

I have to admit that most of the animal stories I have ever read consist of a large amount of humor and mischief, but nothing could have prepared me for the addition of a larger-than-average pup joining the Parsons household. Sandi Parsons gives an in-depth look at the trials and tribulations of adopting a new pet, with one parent not in favor of having a dog and two children too small to take responsibility for it. The story was quite heart-wrenching in many places, with each scrape and bruise leaving its mark on my heart. As a veterinary nurse and devoted lover of animals, I have seen many come and go through the doors of the surgery, and wanted so badly to reach through the pages and give both Rosie and young Pepsi a gentle hug to see them through. I fully enjoyed reading Sandi Parsons’ tale of the frustrations and hardships in adopting a puppy, and wholeheartedly recommend Pepsi the Problem Puppy to all readers, young and old, who are considering bringing a new puppy into the family.