The million paws puppy by Chris Kunz

RSPCA Animal Tales Series book 1. Random House Australia, 2012. 70pp
(Ages: 7-10) Nine-year-old Cassie Bannerman is animal mad. She is also determined, headstrong and always ready to lend a hand (or two). The storyline, while lacklustre at times, is simple enough for newly independent readers and well-written enough to engage the young reader. The story is the first in the RSPCA Animal Tales series and it is therefore fitting that the story revolves around Cassie meeting the new RSPCA vet and convincing his son, Ben, to participate in the RSPCA Million Paws Walk. When a little puppy runs away from his owner on an adventure Cassie and Ben and their dogs initiate a successful rescue mission.
Being an advocate for all things animals Cassie is the perfect heroine for this all-new series which includes fact files about the RSPCA and pet care at the end of the stories. This is definitely a series which will appeal to pet-loving children all around Australia. Not only those who are familiar with the challenges and joys of being a pet-owner, but also the many children who have all-consuming dreams of pets and animals. Themes of making friends, inclusiveness and compassion are intertwined with humour and lightness making this a great book for young readers.
Nicole Smith-Forrest