Rita the muster pup by Jane Kinnon. Illus. by Emily Humble

Fans of the TV series, Muster Dogs, will be charmed with this story about Rita, a cheeky little border collie pup that Grandad is training with the rest of his collie puppies to work on his farm. Rita is a pup that loves to get into mischief. Instead of listening to the command 'Stay' she spots a cow and races after it. She has trouble hanging onto the back of Grandad’s bike and naps when she should be rounding up the sheep with the rest of her litter. When the puppies are in the water for a swim she disappears out of sight. And naughty Rita chases a cat up a tree and a fowl around the yard.

Rita the muster pup is told in simple rhyme and rhythm that makes it an enjoyable read aloud for younger children who will be keen to predict what Rita will do next. Older children just beginning to read will love the repetition and rhyming words. The attractive illustrations by Emily Humble show readers the training that the puppies go through, learning to stay, jump on the back of a quad bike, round up sheep, sit, and stay still to be washed. Each of the puppies is an individual with different white and black patches and Rita is the cutest of all! Brown, green and yellow tones bring to life the farm’s background and Granddad in his big bushman’s hat and denim blue shirt and jeans is portrayed as a quiet and patient character.

Dog lovers, especially those interested in muster dogs, are sure to enjoy the antics of this lovely little border collie.

Themes: Muster dogs, Farm life, Dog training.

Pat Pledger