When I started this book, I was ready to cry to my heart’s content, considering this book was based on a dog. But instead, I came across a sweet, humorous and fun read.
This book is based on a true story of Able Seaman “Just Nuisance”, the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He served with HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy naval base in Simon’s Town, South Africa, during the WWII.
Coming back to the book, Patricia has taken inspiration from the story of Just Nuisance and written a beautiful and oh so refreshing tale of friendship, loyalty, and love.
In the book, the story of “Joyful Trouble”, a mischievous but a very friendly and helpful Great Dane is narrated by a granddad to his 2 grandchildren, 9-year-old Anna and 5-year-old Tommy.
Trouble was a friend of the entire Simon’s town, especially the seamen. So much so that, he followed them everywhere, and even helped them. He was a quick-witted and (unintentionally!!!) funny dog. I couldn’t stop from laughing at some of Trouble’s actions, that finally got him enlisted in the Royal Navy. Even the part how Trouble got his name, was so amusing.
Being a dog person myself, I absolutely loved this book. I laughed with this book and shed a tear or two as well. Overall this was a quick and very delightful read. Even though this book is tagged as a children’s book, I would recommend it to all.
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From the Publisher
'When Trouble was a puppy,’ he began, ‘he belonged to a boy. And wherever the boy went, Trouble was sure to follow. And whenever the boy needed help, he always knew he could count on Trouble to support him, help him and guard him.'
Joyful Trouble - Chapter 5, Once there was a puppy
‘I met him on the train,’ said the old man.
'Trouble would often ride with us, seamen. For friendship, companionship and often,’ coughed the old man, ‘for titbits.’
‘Titbits, Grandad? Like the ones Grandma gives us in the kitchen?’ and the little girl licked her mouth.'
Joyful Trouble - Chapter 6, When old acquaintances meet
'Ana’s small nose was now level with the muzzle of a very tall, brown, four legged creature. Two big, calm hazel eyes measured the small girl from underneath a pair of soft eyebrows. A warm and moist breath, smelling of grass and something else altogether, fell onto the girl's face.'
Joyful Trouble - Chapter 2, Tears and handkerchiefs
‘The question is not WHAT was in my Commander’s office. But WHO was in his office. Who do I see sitting on the Commander’s chair? At his desk? Sitting like a man would, with his bottom on the chair and his upper body sticking above the desk… As tall as a man.’
Joyful Trouble - Chapter , Someone sits at the Commander’s desk
About the author
Joyful Trouble: A Beautiful and Refreshing Tale of Friendship, Loyalty, and Love
When I started this book, I was ready to cry to my heart’s content, considering this book was based on a dog. But instead, I came across a sweet, humorous and fun read. This book is based on a true story of Able Seaman “Just Nuisance”, the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He served with HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy naval base in Simon’s Town, South Africa, during the WWII. Coming back to the book, Patricia has taken inspiration from the story of Just Nuisance and written a beautiful and oh so refreshing tale of friendship, loyalty, and love. In the book, the story of “Joyful Trouble”, a mischievous but a very friendly and helpful Great Dane is narrated by a granddad to his 2 grandchildren, 9-year-old Anna and 5-year-old Tommy. Trouble was a friend of the entire Simon’s town, especially the seamen. So much so that, he followed them everywhere, and even helped them. He was a quick-witted and (unintentionally!!!) funny dog. I couldn’t stop from laughing at some of Trouble’s actions, that finally got him enlisted in the Royal Navy. Even the part how Trouble got his name, was so amusing. Being a dog person myself, I absolutely loved this book. I laughed with this book and shed a tear or two as well. Overall this was a quick and very delightful read. Even though this book is tagged as a children’s book, I would recommend it to all.
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2017
When I started this book, I was ready to cry to my heart’s content, considering this book was based on a dog. But instead, I came across a sweet, humorous and fun read.
Joyful Trouble: A Beautiful and Refreshing Tale of Friendship, Loyalty, and Love
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2017
This book is based on a true story of Able Seaman “Just Nuisance”, the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He served with HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy naval base in Simon’s Town, South Africa, during the WWII.
Coming back to the book, Patricia has taken inspiration from the story of Just Nuisance and written a beautiful and oh so refreshing tale of friendship, loyalty, and love.
In the book, the story of “Joyful Trouble”, a mischievous but a very friendly and helpful Great Dane is narrated by a granddad to his 2 grandchildren, 9-year-old Anna and 5-year-old Tommy.
Trouble was a friend of the entire Simon’s town, especially the seamen. So much so that, he followed them everywhere, and even helped them. He was a quick-witted and (unintentionally!!!) funny dog. I couldn’t stop from laughing at some of Trouble’s actions, that finally got him enlisted in the Royal Navy. Even the part how Trouble got his name, was so amusing.
Being a dog person myself, I absolutely loved this book. I laughed with this book and shed a tear or two as well. Overall this was a quick and very delightful read. Even though this book is tagged as a children’s book, I would recommend it to all.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2018
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Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 13 May 2017
A wonderful and refreshing read
- KimberReviewed in the United States on 28 January 2024
Pick up a copy and fall in love with Joyful Trouble yourself!
- Pete SpringerReviewed in the United States on 8 July 2020
A Delightful Tale of a Special Dog
