Description

The joyful and summery first book in a heart-warming animal rescue series from Carnegie-winner Katya Balen and beloved illustrator Gill Smith, for readers who love animals and all things vets.

“A huge heap of fun!” Ross Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of I Am Rebel

When Mattie wishes on a shooting star for a puppy, she knows her wish is hopeless. Her dad just doesn’t believe Mattie is responsible enough to look after a puppy. She finds the next best thing when she and her friend Zoe start helping the new vet and animal rescuer, Dr Polly. Mattie still may not have a pet of her own, but she has amazing adventures rescuing a runaway ferret, trying to stop a greedy goat from eating everything in the garden and looking after an adorable puppy with a hurt paw. But as the animal rescue gets more and more crowded, Mattie, Zoe and the vet’s son, Casper, realize that they need to do something more. Can they help the animals find their forever homes?

Set in the cosy village of Mossdale in the lead up to their summer fete, this uplifting animal and friendship story is the perfect gift for readers age 6, 7, 8, and 9, and the perfect summer holiday read.

“Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humour and emotion and this heart-warming animal adventure overflows with both.” Daily Mail

Publisher Review

[a] sweet story about an animal-loving girl […] Balen is a beautiful writer and this series is sweet, gentle, escapist, and warm. * The Bookseller * With its adorably determined heroine and animal escapades, this is a heartwarming start to a series. * The Bookseller, 10 Titles Not to Miss in March * First in a heart-warming animal adventure series from Balen, the winner of the 2022 Yoto Carnegie Medal, and Smith. * The Bookseller *