Becoming Trixie: It's a Dog's Life by David Horn is a YA fantasy in which Twinkie the dog is having a super day, chasing squirrels around the park. That is, until she scoots through a hole in a tree, only to find it's a portal to another world. Twinkie turns into Princess Trixie, a 16-year-old intergalactic princess. When she learns that she is to marry a prince from another intergalactic world, she finds herself caught in a huge battle. As she lives the life of a princess, Trixie desperately tries to find a way home, back to her simple life of running after squirrels. Can she return home, or is Trixie destined to spend life in another reality?

Becoming Trixie: It's a Dog's Life by David Horn is a humorous and heartwarming tale told from Twinkie/Trixie's perspective. This story is bound to have readers giggling as they follow Trixie's adventure in another world and her bid to discover who – if anyone – she can trust. It's about the bond between animals and humans, a story that gives us an insight into a dog's life from a dog's perspective. David has created some amazing characters with human-like qualities, especially Trixie, and takes us through a touching but funny story of a canine life. This is a great adventure story, one that takes you on an uplifting journey you will never forget. It is perfect for dog lovers everywhere and those who just want a simple yet compelling story to fall into after a hard day at work.

Becoming Trixie by David Horn is a whimsical narrative that follows the adventures of a dog named Twinkie, who magically transforms into a human girl named Trixie. This transformation catalyzes exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the nuances of companionship in a foreign world. The plot begins with Twinkie chasing a squirrel and falling through a portal, leading to her metamorphosis. Suddenly, Twinkie finds herself in a stunningly alien society where she is expected to navigate royal life, including an impending arranged marriage to Prince Weibold of the Thorpian Stardom. As Trixie, she struggles with her new identity and the pressures of royalty while also experiencing the warmth and chaos of human friendship for the first time. This blend of adventure, comedy, and existential inquiry makes the narrative engaging and insightful.

The characters in Becoming Trixie are both caricatures and deeply lovable. Twinkie, or Trixie, embodies the innocent curiosity and carefree spirit of a dog juxtaposed with human anxieties and societal expectations. Her companions—Marmalade, Brandi, and Koko—each represent different facets of society, from the nurturing protector to the ambitious peer. Their interactions reveal the struggles of adolescence and the absurdities of the adult world they inhabit. Each character, especially Trixie, confronts issues of identity and acceptance; her struggle reflects a universal search for the self, the quest to define one’s personality in a complex world. The contrast between her former life as a dog in a familiar, simple world and the extravagant, high-stakes reality of Kalaxia highlights the absurdity of their royal customs. The vibrant colors, strange beings (like the "squirds"), and the notion of quirky AI companions create a rich world illustrating David Horn's inventive imagination. This novel is a fun read filled with thoughtful moments. It can be read as an allegory of our human transformation.

David Horn's Becoming Trixie begins with a lovely puppy named Twinkie playing and accidentally running through a portal in a tree. The gateway has somehow brought her to a bizarre location, where she appears to have taken over the body of a 16-year-old princess named Trixie, who lives in a space carriage. Twinkie, feeling lost and disoriented in Trixie's body, causes mayhem during an important meeting with the prince she is betrothed to. However, this gathering was important since their participation would unite their kingdoms and aid in the war for power between strong empires. The people around her have been pushed into chaos as they struggle to keep her out of trouble. But all Twinkie wants is to return home, where her mother and father are waiting for her. Will Twinkie be able to return to her own world? Read Becoming Trixie to find out!

David Horn's Becoming Trixie is a fast-paced, well-written story that will make you giggle. I couldn't help but feel secondhand embarrassment, especially at the start when Twinkie inhabited Trixie's body. Although I understood her attitude and behavior as a lost dog, I couldn't help laughing out loud. I was frustrated at times by Trixie's quick trust and obedience to some people, but then I realized that the story accurately illustrates how dogs are. David has wonderfully depicted a dog's pure and innocent heart through Twinkie's character. I was impressed by Twinkie's determination to find a way home, despite her difficulties and lack of understanding about Trixie's position. Her character reminded me of my dog, which made it more enjoyable to read. Overall, it is a unique story.

Becoming Trixie by David Horn explores the life of a dog, Twinkie, as a human, Princess Trixie. Twinkie was on another planet having a walk with her Mama while she sighted a squirrel. She was fond of chasing Squiwel around, and on this day, while chasing Squiwel, she saw a shiny hole below the tree. She became curious, approached it, and found herself at a banquet where she was about to be married off to Prince Weibold. Confused about this transformation and the interactions around her, she became Princess Trixie. As Trixie, she had to battle external pressures and threats from powerful figures such as Dr. X. Trixie’s interactions with a funny cast of characters—including Dr. Lam and loyal Marmalade—add to the growing complexity along the way. Trixie's personal growth primarily revolves around her experiences and challenges as a human. The narrative explores her journey of self-discovery, understanding her identity, and navigating relationships in her new form. This growth is central to the story, as she learns to balance her past as a dog with her present as a human, ultimately shaping her character and decisions.

While I found Becoming Trixie by David Horn to be very engaging, I also found the pacing to be equally balanced, so that I was never bored or forgot about what was going on. The action sequences were exciting, punctuated by some character-driven dialogue, which fleshed out Trixie’s emotional struggles. I did like the interaction between these characters, because each had its arc and motives, so it felt like there wasn’t forced drama just for the sake of it. I found the weaving of the themes of self-discovery and friendship into the narrative a thoughtful and comforting addition that weighed the story with emotion and kept it light with adventure. The narrative was tight and pulled me into Trixie’s world—the body of Trixie and the memory of both Trixie and Twinkie. Overall, this book is a great read and a well-blended mix of excitement and introspection, and I can’t wait for what comes next in Trixie’s story.