Posted in Book reviews by Elizabeth, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Scout and the Rescue Dogs

The cover of a children's novel: Scout and the Rescue Dogs. The cover illustration shows Scout (a girl with red hair) and six dogs of various breeds. In the background is a blue truck.

Driving in Big Rig – Bill’s truck – Scout, who is in Year 7, and her dad deliver food to the dog shelters in Australia. Scout always wanted to own a dog herself after her mum passed away because dogs always reminded her of her mother. Her father allowed her to choose a dog, but Scout does not know which breed to choose because every dog is special in its own way. But bushfire season has sprung, and Scout discovers there are dogs in the dog shelter that no one wants. What will Scout do now with all the dogs and bushfire season?

What I found interesting was that Scout was being loving and kind to the people that were being disrespectful and rude to her. Two girls from school were laughing and mocking her but still she wrote a loving and generous letter and she forgave them.

I rate this book by Dianne Wolfer 10/10 because it is based on what happens in the bushfire season in Australia. This book has changed my perspective on what bushfires are really like such as how hard it is to live in the bush. 

Read an interview with Dianne Wolfer, author of Scout and the Rescue Dogs.


Elizabeth is a regular reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Rebecca, teachers' resources

What we’re reading: Hanging Out by Catherine Bateson

"Hanging out (cover)"

Hanging Out, by Catherine Bateson, illustrated by Adam Carruthers,  Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia, 2010

Weston is coming for a visit while his parents are on holiday, and Ben is worried.  Last time Ben saw Weston, Ben made up lots of stories about his life in Melbourne, and now Weston will find out he wasn’t telling the truth. Ben tries to make his mum change her mind.

I remembered everything I had said.

“Mum, he really can’t come here.”

The only true thing I’d told Weston was that we lived near Puffing Billy. We can hear its whistle blow from our house.

As soon as Weston arrives, he’ll start asking about all the activities Ben bragged about. What will Ben do?

This is an early chapter book in the ‘Mates’ series. The colour illustrations by Adam Carruthers are fun. My favourite is a drawing of Miss Phillips on page 35, but I can’t tell you why because it will spoil the story. 🙂

Do you think Ben should tell Weston that he made up most of the stories about his life in  Melbourne?

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman. Our review copy was sent to us by Omnibus Books.