Katya Balen, the Carnegie Medal-winning author of October, October, brings a gentle but adventurous spirit to The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos. This second installment in her series finds our young protagonists—Mattie, Zoe, and Casper—managing their village rescue service in the quiet town of Mossdale. Working alongside a local vet named Dr. Polly, the trio stays busy rehoming creatures that have been abandoned or hurt. Their latest task involves balancing the needs of a pampered cat named Crumpet and a terrapin called Algernon, but the situation turns urgent when Domino, a three-legged collie, disappears into a biting winter storm. This middle-grade story, punctuated by Gill Smith’s expressive black-and-white illustrations, follows the friends as they brave the elements to bring their client home safely. Along the way, their search leads them to another neighbor in need, showing that a rescue mission often has a wider reach than intended.
For educators looking to highlight SDG 15: Life on Land, this book offers a practical look at animal welfare and stewardship. It moves the conversation from abstract environmental goals to the tangible reality of caring for the living things in one’s own backyard. The protagonists serve as excellent models for the IB Learner Profile, specifically showing what it means to be ‘caring’ and ‘principled’ through their commitment to creatures that others might overlook. A teacher could use this narrative to anchor a classroom simulation where students design their own rescue agency, researching the needs of local wildlife and drafting adoption strategies. The story doesn’t just suggest that kids can help; it shows them organizing, taking risks, and assuming responsibility for the well-being of others. It’s an effective tool for teaching student agency because it proves that small-scale, local actions are a valid and vital way to change the world.
