Farm Rescue: Pup Patrol Book One (Darrel & Sally Odgers, Scholastic)

Farm Rescue is the first book in a new series for junior readers by Darrel and Sally Odgers, two names many readers will already be familiar with. Barnaby Station Stamp of Approval, ‘Stamp’ for short, is the pedigree puppy being trained by farmer’s son James. Stamp and James are en route to Cowfork when a flash flood forces them to stop and take refuge with the Peppers. With the Peppers’ dog Rusty missing, the farm flooded and a group of sheep stranded on an island, it’s up to Stamp to prove himself and save the day. This is a nice story with plenty of simple language for young readers just starting to read independently. The text is broken up with illustrations and definitions of new words in each chapter. In addition, there are sections throughout with basic information about dogs and their behaviour that will appeal to young animal lovers. Readers will either love or hate the paw puns scattered liberally throughout the book, but most children will enjoy reading about Stamp, Rusty and their new companion, Ace.

Bec Kavanagh is a Melbourne-based writer, reviewer and education consultant