The joyful first story in a touching and warm animal rescue series by Carnegie Award-winning Katya Balen and beloved illustrator Gill Smith, for readers who love animals and everything related to veterinarians.

When Mattie wishes on a shooting star for a puppy, she knows her wish is in vain. Her dad simply doesn’t believe Mattie is responsible enough to care for a puppy. She finds the next best thing when, together with her friend Zoë, they start helping the new vet and animal rescuer, Dr Polly. Mattie may not have a pet yet, but she experiences amazing adventures rescuing a runaway ferret, trying to stop a hungry goat from eating everything in the garden, and caring for a cute puppy with an injured leg.

But as animal rescue gets busier and busier, Mattie, Zoë, and the vet’s son, Casper, realize they need to do more. Can they help the animals find their forever homes?

Set in the warm village of Mossdale just before their village festival, this uplifting story of friendship and animals is the perfect gift for readers aged 6, 7, 8, and 9. And don’t miss the next snowy adventure of the friends as they try to help a mischievous puppy at Christmas in The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos!

Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humor and emotional depth, and this touching animal adventure is full of both.

Pages: 160, Dimensions: 12.8x12.8cm