When he moves to a sheep ranch, a dog must cope with country life and his new unfriendly coworker.

When his owner leaves him on a sheep ranch, Sandy the dog must learn how to adjust to country life, including driving sheep and deal with his new unfriendly coworker. This is a story about perseverance in the face of new and unexpected challenges and pride in one’s achievements.

• Bright and attractive illustrations.
• A view of life on a sheep ranch in the Australian Outback.

The Author

When Sally Gould was young, she loved the imaginary worlds that came to life in books. Her second love was roaming in the local National Park with the kids who lived in her street. They made beds for fairies out of moss, rubbed coloured sandstone rocks together to make ‘gold’, and fought wars using red berries as ammunition. After university, Sally worked as a lawyer, but then she had children and rediscovered her love of children’s books. Her sons—one responsible and logical, and the other who just wants to have fun—and their dogs inspire Sally’s children’s stories.

The Illustrator

Leanne Argent was in high school when she wrote and illustrated a children’s book for an English project about a kiwi who wondered why he couldn’t fly like the other birds. Her English teacher and the librarian were so impressed they encouraged her to send it to a publisher. Even though it was rejected, it didn’t matter because it was then she realized her passion was to become an illustrator….

Leanne has since illustrated over 50 children’s books, mainly specializing in watercolour. Her love for family, friends, animals, the ocean, and the Aussie Outback are all portrayed throughout her illustrations.

Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Levels

Guided Reading Level: N

Grade Level Equivalent: 3

Educational Descriptions

Picture book, animal fantasy, Story elements: setting: farm, plot and character development, point of view: main character, Sandy the dog,  problem and solution, Illustrations enhance meaning and tone,  Comprehension strategies: Make predictions,  Identify cause and effect relationships & changes from beginning to end of the story. Themes: Change, acceptance, work dogs.

Interest Age: 6 to 11 years

Reading Age: 8 to 9 years

RRP: $24.99

ISBN: 978-1-76036-132-7

Format: Hardback

JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch life

World rights available, except for France, Australia, Canada, Ireland, China, New Zealand, the UK and the US.