The Appletree Animal Agency

Heartwarming tales of friendship and animal rescue

Katya Balen author Gill Smith illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Walker Books Ltd

Published:6th Mar '25

Should be back in stock very soon

The Appletree Animal Agency cover

This heartwarming story follows Mattie as she helps rescue animals, all while dreaming of having a puppy of her own in The Appletree Animal Agency.

In The Appletree Animal Agency, readers are introduced to Mattie, a young girl with a big heart and a dream of having a puppy. Despite her longing, her father is skeptical about her ability to care for a pet. Undeterred, Mattie finds fulfillment in helping her friend Zoë and the local vet, Dr. Polly, in their animal rescue efforts. The story unfolds with delightful adventures as they navigate the challenges of caring for various animals in need.

As Mattie and Zoë dive into their new roles, they encounter a runaway ferret, a mischievous goat with a penchant for destruction, and a sweet puppy with an injured paw. Each encounter brings its own set of challenges and joys, showcasing the importance of compassion and teamwork. The trio learns valuable lessons about responsibility and the impact they can have on the lives of these animals.

However, as their rescue efforts grow, the situation becomes more complicated. Mattie, Zoë, and Casper, the vet's son, must come together to ensure that the animals they care for can find loving homes. The Appletree Animal Agency is a heartwarming tale that emphasizes friendship, adventure, and the importance of helping those in need, making it a perfect read for animal lovers of all ages.

Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humour and emotion and this heart-warming animal adventure overflows with both. * Daily Mail *
[a] sweet story about an animal-loving girl […] Balen is a beautiful writer and this series is sweet, gentle, escapist, and warm. * The Bookseller *
With its adorably determined heroine and animal escapades, this is a heartwarming start to a series. * The Bookseller, 10 Titles Not to Miss in March *
A beautifully written and illustrated story to delight young animal lovers… Katya Balen writes beautifully and there’s humour, drama and moments of real tenderness too in this heartwarming story. Black and white illustrations by Gill Smith catch the fun and excitement and bring the characters, human and animal, brilliantly to life. * LoveReading4Kids, Andrea Reece *
First in a heart-warming animal adventure series from Balen, the winner of the 2022 Yoto Carnegie Medal, and Smith. * The Bookseller *

ISBN: 9781529519181

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 11mm

Weight: 149g

160 pages