What would you do if someone stole your best friend’s puppies? Maddie can’t believe it. Rose’s puppies have disappeared. Maddie’s clever collie Ruby finds one pup, dropped by the thief, but there’s no sign of the others. Then more dogs are stolen. But the police are busy with other burglaries. Maddie won’t stop looking for the pups, even if it means boring stakeouts and searching where they’re not meant to be.
Author Kate Gordon-Smith returns with the second story in the Red Collie Mystery series. Gordon-Smith cleverly writes this as a standalone, with just enough detail for those picking up the series for the first time to not feel lost. Of course, reading the first in the series will add to the reader's prior knowledge.
Ten-year-old Maddison McQueen once again enlists her friends to help her solve the mystery and action, which is perfectly pitched for younger readers beginning to navigate chapter books. It's also a great read-aloud too, with short, punchy chapters and a storyline that will also capture the attention of older readers.
Gordon-Smith has created a great lead character in Maddison, with plenty of attitude, self-awareness and Kiwi kid ingenuity to make her instantly recognisable to younger readers. There's a great cast of diverse supporting characters too.
Set in Wānaka, Maddison and her friends push the boundaries just enough. They straddle the line between their growing independence, parental expectations, and curiosity, in a relatable way. The adventures the group get up to are exciting and interesting, but not overly scary.
With a dyslexia-friendly font and layout, publishers Relish Books have ensured this book is more accessible to more readers.
Maddison McQueen and the Disappearing Dogs is a fast-paced and exciting read, perfect for Kiwi kids looking for adventure.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Relish Books