Bitza by Andrew Daddo illustrated by Stephen Michael King

"I've never seen a dog like you before. What are you? You look a bit Staffy and a bit Kelpie. I think I can see a bit of Labrador 

and some doodle too."

"You got some Blue Heeler in you too? ... 

Or maybe that's Cattle Dog. Boy you're a beauty, Bitza."

There are two books (so far) in this series (two more are planned) and they are great fun! Do not hesitate to add these to your school library. Stephen Michael King has, I am so thrilled to say, returned to his 'roots' and added the most perfect little drawings (not digital) to these easy chapter books.  Your students who love dogs will adore these but so will all the other kids. In 2027 there will be a new CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) awards category for junior books like these. I do hope we see Bitza on the 2027 Notables - yes it is that good!

From Chapter Two Bitza - Rules? What rules?

You have seen Stephen Michael King illustrate dogs like this before in Mutt Dog, Barney by Catherine Jinks, Pocket Dogs by Margaret Wild and Three. (Click this link to see all of his books).

Andrew Daddo also knows so much about dogs! Yes, Bitza is written from the point of view of one very irresistible little dog but there are so many other dog traits that he highlights and that made me laugh.

"I do know that I can smell food very well. And when I smell food I tend to drool. It just happens. It's like someone turns on a tap in my mouth and eventually it fills up and spills out the corners."

"Want more? she asked. 'Well, duh! That's like asking if cats are a little creepy. I'm part Labrador, of course I want more."

"I didn't mind that they watched me eat, as long as they didn't want me to share it."

"Dad reached down and rubbed my head, getting the knuckles in that groove right in the middle of my ears and making my back leg shake."

Chapter 9 is great fun - Jas and Dad ask Bitza does he prefer a ball or a stick. Such a hard decision for a dog who loves BOTH! Then just when you think everything is good or even great for Bitza, the daughter of his old owner shows up. But you (or your young reading companion) will never guess how this could possibly be resolved.

I think the second book is even better than the first especially towards the end when Bitza is left home alone. He digs a hole in the garden (even though that is breaking one of dad's rules) but then things get really crazy when the dog next door encourages Bitza to dig up all the newly planted flowers. I kept thinking about Freddy's motivation. I thought he might want Bitza to get into terrible trouble so that he might be sent away and Freddy could regain Jasper all for himself but no - wait until you see Freddy's own backyard. Does Bitza get into dreadful strife? The ending of this second story is sure to give you a huge smile - I cheered!

You can see inside Bitza here. And this snipped page will give you an idea of the text size and wonderful illustrations:

"I couldn't have been clearer if I wanted to be. That dog behind you is slobbering on my ball."

This series is sure to become an Aussie classic, perfect for newly confident readers or for a family read aloud, we just love it. Rachel Robson Gleebooks Kids

This promises to be a favourite with all the children that long for a pet to love ... Perfect illustrations by Stephen Michael King complement the  humorous text. Kids' Book Review

Your library might also have this dog series illustrated by Stephen Michael King:

Here are a few other books by Andrew Daddo. It is interesting to see that he has be so lucky to 'score' some of our fantastic Australia illustrators such as Emma Quay; Craig Smith; Jonathan Bentley; Judith Rossell and of course Stephen Michael King.

There are four books in the Skoz the Dog series