PAWS: The Trouble with Leo

A Graphic Novel

Part of PAWS

Illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn
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Hardcover
$22.99 US
5.95"W x 8.32"H x 0.75"D  
On sale Mar 03, 2026 | 176 Pages | 9780593695838
Grades 3-7
Reading Level: Lexile 260L | Fountas & Pinnell U
FOC Feb 2, 2026 | Catalog January 2026

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The girls of PAWS have a bone to pick with a group of rival dog walkers in the fifth book of this heartwarming and hilarious graphic novel series that is the Baby-Sitters Club for pets!

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.
Nathan Fairbairn is an Eisner-nominated creator who's worked on iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman, Invincible, and Scott Pilgrim. He’s also co-creator, writer, and colorist of the graphic novel Lake of Fire. He started writing the PAWS series as a way to share his passion for comics and storytelling with his daughter, Lily. Nathan lives and works in Vancouver. You can follow him on social media (@NathanFairbairn) and see more of his work at nathanfairbairn.com.

Michele Assarasakorn (also known as MSASSYK) has worked on comic book series such as Eisner-nominated Isola, Gotham Academy, and The Magnificent Ms. Marvel. Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Michele now calls Vancouver home but also likes to travel the world working remotely as an artist. You can follow her on social media (@Msassyk) and see more of her work at msassyk.com.
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About

The girls of PAWS have a bone to pick with a group of rival dog walkers in the fifth book of this heartwarming and hilarious graphic novel series that is the Baby-Sitters Club for pets!

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.

Author

Nathan Fairbairn is an Eisner-nominated creator who's worked on iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman, Invincible, and Scott Pilgrim. He’s also co-creator, writer, and colorist of the graphic novel Lake of Fire. He started writing the PAWS series as a way to share his passion for comics and storytelling with his daughter, Lily. Nathan lives and works in Vancouver. You can follow him on social media (@NathanFairbairn) and see more of his work at nathanfairbairn.com.

Michele Assarasakorn (also known as MSASSYK) has worked on comic book series such as Eisner-nominated Isola, Gotham Academy, and The Magnificent Ms. Marvel. Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Michele now calls Vancouver home but also likes to travel the world working remotely as an artist. You can follow her on social media (@Msassyk) and see more of her work at msassyk.com.

Photos

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