Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 15 Oct 2025

The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos by Katya Balen, illustrated by Gill Smith

I very much enjoyed reading the first book in this series and so looked forward to spending more time with Mattie and her friends, Zoe and Casper. Clearly aimed at animal lovers, this one promised to provide plenty of focus on how to have fun with a variety of creatures as well as providing care. The title also seemed to indicate some mayhem along the way with the colourful book cover showing one lively looking dog leaping directly at the reader, watched by the children and a motley selection of pets. 

The first part of the story reminds the reader about the history of the Appletree Animal Agency which was set up to complement the more traditional role of the vet surgery and rescue centre in Mossdale Village run by Dr Polly, who is Casper’s mum. Their aim was to help people to find their perfect pet and then to help with animal care and training. I shared the book with a six-year-old friend and we both loved the idea of their cosy clubhouse based in Mattie’s tree house. They all admired their newly designed gold badges which made them feel ‘very important and official’.

They get down to the serious business of trying to match Algernon, a ten-year-old terrapin with a possible owner, and realise that this might be quite tricky. They very sensibly include a section in their system which imagines what the animal might want if he/she could choose, in this case is ’someone who fancies chilled reptile vibes.’

As with the last book, the author manages to include lots of interesting information about each animal in their care helped by Dr Polly, who clearly values their enthusiasm and curiosity. Finding a match for Crumpet, a ginger cat is less challenging but the children know that every cat has different preferences and needs to be considered. Her ideal home would be ‘somewhere I can be pampered like the diva I am.’  

When they set off to help Dr Polly with some routine tasks, they meet Domino, a three-legged local collie dog who is always escaping from his owner to have adventures. The agency had helped to rehome him a while ago with the elderly Mrs McDonald, but it wasn’t going well.  It seems that his new owner adores him but just can’t control him – how can they possibly help? They have all become experienced dog trainers who run busy and effective regular classes in Wildflower Meadow, but Mrs McDonald rarely brings Domino along. When she does show up, she gets very flustered because he is so disobedient. So everyone is surprised when he runs to make friends with grumpy Farmer Brooks who fiercely objects to them using his field without permission. How will they find somewhere else for the classes?

My friend commented on the mysterious boy with curly hair who cropped up a couple of times by the middle of the book – could he be significant in solving their problems? How was the heavy snowfall going to complicate matters? There is plenty of unexpected jeopardy as the story unfolds which has to be managed by the intrepid and very creative children. I am not going to reveal what happens because you will of course want to read the story for yourself.   

This adventure is set in the run up to Christmas in a village that celebrates all the traditional festivities with everyone involved in preparations. This is a story about the joys of living in a very friendly and supportive community. The last story introduced readers to the many sweet delights of Ria’s Candy Hut and this time the author provides mouth- watering descriptions of luxury hot chocolate in a range of flavours to make the cold weather more bearable.   

I strongly recommend this engaging story which is enhanced by plentiful and energetic illustrations. Now available from Walker Books, you will be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop – who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have a copy on their shelves. 

Karen Argent 

October 2025