PAWS: THE TROUBLE WITH LEO, by Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakorn, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, March 3, 2026, paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
The girls of PAWS have a bone to pick with a group of rival dog walkers in The Trouble with Leo, the by Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakorn.
It’s been seven whole dog years of PAWS (or just one if you’re a human), and business is at an all-time high! But after a regrettable run-in with Gabby’s arch-nemesis, Leo, things take an unfortunate turn. The two have an argument and Leo leaves the girls with an ominous message: “You’re not the only one who can walk dogs…”
It’s not long before the girls notice flyers advertising a new dog walking business, SCAMPS. Sure enough, Leo and friends Brandon and Nolawi are behind it. And when Gabby and Mindy take some not-so-righteous retribution on these PAWS copycats, what could just be a little healthy competition turns into an all-out turf war.
In the midst of it all, Mindy gets stuck doing a group project with Brandon, bringing her face to face with the enemy. But is it possible they have more in common than not? As the battle between the two groups escalates, and neither side is playing fair, the girls are forced to reconsider who the true villain of this story might really be. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
The Trouble with Leo is the fifth book in the popular PAWS series that’s being heralded as “The Baby-Sitters Club for pets.”
The Trouble with Leo is a fast-moving graphic novel that will particularly appeal to readers who love animals or have an interest in becoming an entrepreneur. Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakorn’s story has a strong hook that hits on things kids will relate to like bullying, friendship and learning to work together. The illustrations are brightly colored and full of energy, helping drive the story.
Though part of a series, The Trouble with Leo can be read on its own. You do have a better understanding of the characters if you start from the beginning, but it won’t hurt to start on Book 5.
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