
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of a new responsibility or struggling with the frustration of a project that is harder than it looks. Whether it is training a rowdy new puppy or managing a group of peers, this story speaks to the importance of patience and the reality that leadership requires more than just giving orders. The story follows Kristy Thomas as she attempts to organize a dog-training class, only to realize that animals and people do not always follow a script. It is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are navigating the transition from following rules to taking initiative. Parents will appreciate how the book models resilience and the ability to pivot when plans go awry, all within the safe and familiar context of the Baby-Sitters Club universe.




















Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book is secular and realistic. It deals with minor family friction and the stress of high expectations, but handles these with a hopeful and constructive resolution.
A middle-schooler who is a 'natural leader' but occasionally struggles with bossiness or becomes easily discouraged when a new hobby or responsibility does not come easily to them.
This is a safe, cold read. No specific content warnings are necessary, though it provides a great opening to discuss how we treat animals and friends when we are stressed. A parent might see their child shouting at a pet in frustration or giving up on a new chore because 'it's too hard.'
Younger readers will focus on the humor of the misbehaving dogs and the fun of the club dynamic. Older readers will resonate more with Kristy’s internal struggle to maintain her reputation as 'the one who has it all together.'
Unlike many pet stories that focus solely on the bond between child and animal, this book highlights the logistics, social dynamics, and leadership challenges of starting a neighborhood business.
Kristy Thomas, the headstrong president of the Baby-Sitters Club, decides to branch out by starting 'Kristy's Krushers' dog-training classes. She quickly discovers that her usual drill-sergeant leadership style does not work on stubborn pets or their easily discouraged owners. The book follows her journey as she learns to temper her expectations and find creative ways to achieve success through trial, error, and teamwork.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.