The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ (Paperback)

A charming, classic adventure tale about the scary, crazy, and heart-thumpingly joyful plunge into connecting with others

A foxhound has spent her life behind bars, known only by the PZ-5934 tatoo in her ear. In this story inspired by the life of a real lab dog, PZ knows nothing but a laboratory cage. She has never even seen the sun. But a superpowered diva ladybug named Dottie changes all that.

The unlikely pair undertake a hilarious and adventurous road trip through civilization and finally find a home with Olivia, a restless, solitary girl, who has secrets of her own. Unexpected adventures await the dog, the girl, and the ladybug, as a shocking, hidden part of their town reveals itself and everyone must sort out when to trust and when to battle.
The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ--lyrical and approachable, with resonant details--has both humor and heart. Although intended for children eight through twelve, its classic unfolding and off-beat characters tickle the fancy of adults as well. It is both an adventure story and a tale with many layers--about overcoming obstacles, mining experience for what matters, and doing what is necessary, though not always desirable, for friendship. Ultimately, it is about the joy of a hard-won connection.

The classic illustrations--with a contemporary edge--reflect this fresh, poignant, wise, and sometimes downright wacky book.
 
"Ritter is at her best when grappling with her main characters'internal lives, outlining in an accessible, realistically paced way how the psychology of grief and trauma can give way to hope and love."  Kirkus Featured Review 

"Not since Kafka has an insect risen to this level of artistic genius."--Dottie


BradleyStreetPress@Tamingpz.com

Martha Ritter wrote her first book when she was in the sixth grade. It was a hundred page volume about the Republic of Indonesia, which the president of the United States requested she give to Indonesia's president. Reluctantly, she complied--and nearly caused an international incident. Despite this complication, Ms. Ritter has been writing ever since. A journalist, speechwriter, and poet, she has served as a public affairs director for New York City. As a New York actor, Ms. Ritter has worked in theater and shared her sense of humor with a national audience in a number of classic TV commercials. Ms. Ritter lives in Connecticut and New York City.