Scout and the Rescue Dogs; Dianne Wolfer, illustrated by Tony Flowers

Family, friendship and community spirit all shine in a paw-sitively great read from the aptly doggie-named Dianne Wolfer.

For eleven-year-old Scout it is the end of the school year and that means the summer holidays, Christmas and a much-needed break from the mean girls at Arcadia Boarding School for Young Ladies. Before the celebrations can bring, Scout and her dad have an important mission to deliver dog food donations to rescue shelters across the state. A road trip in the Big Rig means music, eating out, jokes, good times and maybe the chance to convince dad to get a dog. But with bushfires causing havoc across the state it isn’t just dogs that need a helping hand…

A jolly across the state to bring festive cheer to dogs in need becomes a dramatic battle against the devastating power of nature in this heartwarming read. Inspired by the Australian bushfires of 2019/20, Dianne Wolfer weaves an exploration of the wonderful role of animal rescue shelters and the dangers of wildfires - highlighting how animals, people and communities are affected - with a touching story centred around ‘Operation Dog Food’. With adventure, peril and lots of paw-some canines, this will go down a storm with animal lovers who, perhaps like Scout, are desperate to get a pooch of their own.

The philanthropic road-trip, that winds its way through many different towns, is filled with kindness, generous acts, camaraderie, lots of adorable canines and exemplifies the strength, courage, bravery and the power of the human spirit when things are at their worst. Whether it be offering a home to a pet in need, fighting fires on the front line, donating money to support good causes, knitting pouches for little joeys or stitching mittens for scorched koala paws, everyone plays their part when the going gets tough.

Scout and her dad will warm hearts. Still mourning the loss of a special mum and wife, they have the most wonderful of relationships as they laugh at each others terrible jokes, revisit special places and share fond memories of when the family was a three. Kind-hearted, animal-loving and full of big ideas to help the rescue dogs, Scout is a particular delight and everyone will be hoping that she finds her fur-ever friend to take home.

Raising awareness of bushfires and referencing some of the issues that animal rescue centres have to deal with including puppy farms, over-breeding and short-term rehoming, there is plenty here to discuss. Those who have adopted a pet or experienced the need to always be prepared, alert and ready to take action during bushfire season will especially relate to Scout’s experiences; her good-heart wanting to help each and every dog she sees, her fear of the deadly and difficult to control fires, her worry for those that she loves, the unbearable heat and the choking smoke. For  those that do not have firsthand experience of these events, Scout and the Rescue Dogs is an excellent insight into two important matters.

Dachshund to the store and grab a copy of a thoroughly enjoyable middle grade read. Gets four paws up from me!

With huge thanks to Walker for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.