Problems with Pooski


Children - Picture Book
32 Pages
Reviewed on 05/13/2026
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Problems with Pooski by Sharon O’Flaherty, after discovering a frightened puppy abandoned in a box, a young boy does what children frequently do: he convinces the family to give the puppy a home. Life quickly changes once Pooski settles in. She does everything from chewing carpets and stealing shoes to tearing apart homework and destroying dog beds. This turns ordinary afternoons into disasters that leave broken lamps and frustrated parents behind. Even so, Pooski becomes part of the family’s daily routine through bedtime snuggles, playful games, and quiet moments during difficult days. Trouble reaches a breaking point after one accident too many forces the adults to consider finding Pooski another home. As phone calls from strangers begin arriving, the child tries to prove that this mischievous pup means more to the family than anyone wants to admit. Pooski is a story about one energetic dog whose arrival changes an entire household in ways nobody expected.

Sharon O’Flaherty’s Problems with Pooski understands something many family books miss. Love inside a home is not measured by perfect behavior. It is measured by who stays when life gets loud, messy, frustrating, and inconvenient. That lesson lands beautifully through a puppy who chews shoes, destroys beds, causes arguments, and still becomes the emotional center of the household. The rhyming style gives the book an easy rhythm that feels natural during read-aloud time, while the humor keeps younger readers paying attention from one scene to the next. Pooski acts like a real young dog. Kids know what it means to care about something that creates chaos while still making life happier. The father also feels believable because his irritation comes from daily family pressure, yet his affection slowly becomes impossible to deny. Sharon O’Flaherty’s illustrations give every scene warmth, personality, and humor. This is a book that has made it into our nightly story rotation, and families with young children will have a wonderful time sharing this book. Very highly recommended.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

Problems with Pooski by Sharon O'Flaherty is a cute rhyming story about the trials and tribulations of taking on a puppy. Pooski was left in a cardboard box with a note asking for her to be taken care of. When she gets a new, loving home, she is curious and playful, but with a pup, that can lead to chaos. Chewed shoes and phones, shredded paper everywhere, and nibbled toes are just a few of the mischievous things Pooski gets up to, and her new dad decides it’s time for her to go to a new home. But the rest of the family disagrees, and new bonds are created as Pooski becomes a permanent addition with her loving, patient family.

Problems with Pooski by Sharon O’Flaherty is a wonderful story with lovely illustrations that highlights not just the joy of having a new pup but also the problems that come with it. Every kid loves a fluffy, bouncing pup, but the adults know that a new pup can mean trouble—in the best way, of course. Things get chewed, and training is hard, and sometimes, tough decisions have to be made. This book is a reminder that, even though young pups are a lot of fun, they are also a huge responsibility, but perseverance and patience pay off in the end. This story is written in rhyme, making it easier for kids to follow and even more fun to read. It’s the ideal book for any family thinking about getting a new puppy, just to have an idea of what to expect. It also tells kids that not all dogs have to come from a breeder – there are plenty of abandoned pups and strays that need a loving home. Lovely book, a lot of fun to read, and including a photo of who I assume is the real Pooski is a nice touch.

Pikasho Deka

Problems with Pooski by Sharon O'Flaherty follows the story of an abandoned pup and her adventures. A young boy finds a cute pup placed in a box with a note and brings her home. He names her Pooski. Soon, however, the boy and his family discover that Pooski isn't like most other dogs. She is very stubborn. She refuses to play fetch, won't answer when they call her name, and seems to enjoy making a mess with toilet paper. She even bites the young boy's mother's shoe on the day of her big interview. The young boy's father finally comes to a decision. He spreads the word for another family to adopt Pooski. But the young boy isn't ready to give her up. Will he be able to keep Pooski?

Problems with Pooski is a fun adventure book that teaches the values of patience, empathy, and kindness. Although it's a children's book, even older readers will find it delightful. Author Sharon O'Flaherty uses a catchy rhyme to tell a heartwarming story that kids are going to love. For families with pets, this picture book is a must-have on your bookshelves. O'Flaherty does a brilliant job of showing why stubborn pets must be treated with patience and understanding to make sure they acclimate to their new environments. The characters are relatable and immensely likable. The young boy and his family have their own adventure as they try to manage Pooski. Pooski is a mischievous yet adorable pup who readers will adore. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Young readers shouldn't miss out on this!