Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping by Craig Silvey

"How are you feeling?

Annie looks down.

Nobody looks back up at her.

Because there is a Runt-shaped hole in her world."

Recently Craig Silvey spoke at an event here in Sydney and a few days later I bought myself a copy of his new book (sequel to Runt). I started my reading that day but after just 31 pages I stopped. I first read Runt back in 2022 and since that time I have read hundreds of other books and so many small plot details from Runt have evaporated from my memory. Thank goodness the library where I work as a volunteer had a copy of Runt and so on Tuesday last week I revisited the first installment of Runt. With 342 pages, and a few detours into other books on my enormous to read pile, I finished Runt for the second time on Sunday morning. It is now Tuesday afternoon and I have just finished Runt the Diabolical Dognapping which has a whopping 406 pages. Readers do need knowledge of the first book about Runt to really appreciate all the twists and turns and motivations and drama of the second installment. 

Craig Silvey has done it again. He kept me reading and reading desperate to discover how all his disparate story elements could possibly reach that all important happy ending. This is also one of those books where the clock is ticking - Annie only has one month to win another competition and hopefully be reunited with her precious friend. 

This latest book is filled with heroes, tales of past deeds, deceptions, new friendships, puns, jokes, determination, and of course it culminates in another all-important dog competition. The story rips along because it stars Annie who we all adore from the first book but in this tale Runt is missing. As the title tells you - he has been dognapped. Of course, this new story does need a dog - we met this puppy at the end of the first book. She arrived with Bernadette Box - her name is Little Annie. Oh, and there is also a new competition - have you heard of this - it is called "dances with dogs" and yes, it is a real thing. Craig Silvey explained in his Sydney talk that he watched hundreds of hours of competitions so that he could include accurate details in his story.

BUT wait there is more to Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping. If you have read Runt you may have been left with a few questions - the answers to all of these and many more form the framework for the second book. I wonder if Craig Silvey is a plotter - did be map all his story threads out before writing his book?

Here are some of the questions that you might want answered (but there are lots more):

• Where was Runt before he met Annie?
• How did Runt learn to perform 'tricks'?
• What makes Runt such a loyal friend?
• Why does Runt adore Mush dog food?
• And there is question (spoiler maybe) about the real fate of the terrible villain - Earl Robert- Baron?

I love the cast of characters from Upson Downs. The policeman Detective Bayleaf reminded me of the bumbling policeman in the television show Doc Martin: Joe Penhale the local police officer in the town of Portwenn. The Mayor Barry Casserole made me think of the local politician Bill Heslop from Muriel's Wedding and also one of the pompous judges from Strictly Ballroom - Barry Fyfe with (in the movie) his silly toupee. It is easy to see that this second book is very cinematic - I know there is a movie of Runt and a play will be presented in 2026. After reading this second installment I'm sure there will be a second movie. 

In this book I also enjoyed all the puns, funny names with double meanings, foreshadowing, subplots, flashbacks and side stories, and the way Rupert Broadsheet sounds like he has swallowed a thesaurus. 

Another thing that Craig Silvey includes in his book are heaps of wonderful descriptions of clothing - they are all so 'over the top' and yet it is funny that at every author event Craig himself always wears the same plain long-sleeved navy tee shirt. Here are a few examples:

"Camilla is resplendent in a cream satin dress and a silver necklace. Doreen is vividly tropical in a teal polyester pantsuit, neon mango lipstick and polished brass seashell earrings. She has a fresh perm, a teased fringe and a voice like a started macaw."

"Barry wears a yellow shirt tucked into high brown shorts. His head is host to a thick and conspicuous toupee. His large glasses slide slowly down his nose, causing him to periodically scrunch his face in a manner that reminds Annie Shearer of a nervous rabbit."

"He wears a peach short-sleeved shirt, a eucalyptus green tie, mustard coloured shorts, white knee-high socks, black leather sandals and his official chain of office."

"The man wears a powder blue seersucker jacket, plum corduroy pants, a crisp cream shirt and leather loafers. He is tall, with ivory skin and a sensible haircut."

If you are looking for a fantastic present for a young reader why not buy both books about Runt. I adore their cover illustrations by Sara Acton, and the publisher has added a dust jacket which is a rare thing here in Australia, and the end papers are perfect and if you pop these two books side by side on your bookshelf they will look very impressive. Here is the Instagram account for Sara Acton where you can see some illustrations from the second book about Runt.  Note if you are in the US Runt has a different cover, title and a different illustrator. 

IBBY Australia are holding an online auction as a fund raiser. If you are reading this post in Australia between 14 and 28 November 2025 take a look at our Auction page. This is the illustration kindly donated to the auction by Sara Acton.

There is a link to the very detailed teaching notes on the publisher web page and also an interview with Craig Silvey and the notes also have some video links to explore.

Publisher blurb: Six weeks have passed since Annie Shearer and Runt competed valiantly at the Krumpets Dog Show. The town of Upson Downs is rejuvenated. The grass is green. The rivers are flowing. And a Tournament of Champions has just been announced, with the world's best canine talent invited to showcase their skills in the Grand Ballroom of the abandoned Robert-Barren estate. But as preparations for the event get underway, Runt mysteriously goes missing, and a trail of suspicious clues surround his doghouse. Annie's worst fears are confirmed when she discovers a ransom note with a peculiar demand: she must win it all to see her friend again. It's up to Annie and her brother Max – now an intrepid investigative reporter with the Upson Downs Speculator – to rescue Runt before it's too late.

This sequel also delivers in spades Silvey’s trademark sharp wordplay and clever wit. This story is a shining example of the power of unwavering kindness, selfless compassion and empathy. It illustrates how these virtues can be a catalyst for profound change to embrace the gift of second chances and experience life with a renewed purpose and richness. Reading Opens Doors

With a cleverly constructed plot, hilarious, corny characters, and more mysteries than you can shake a bone at, this sequel left me with warm fuzzies from top to toe. There are stories within the story which are wonderful themselves, which are then effortlessly woven into the heart wrenching finale. What Book Next

Gymnastica Fantastica by Briony Stewart

 

The show is beginning. The little girl has her audience (her dog) and her performance outfit (star top and shorts). She also has her rainbow hoops and long rainbow ribbon. Oh and lots of things to climb and bounce on. 

"Razzley-dazzley, ribbons twirls. wriggly rainbows in circles and swirls, whizzy and dizzy and - whoops now I'm landing onto the wall (they call it 'handstanding')."

The book abounds in exuberant energy and the happiness of this young performer is sure to make you smile a huge smile. I love the ribbon filled end papers, the patience of the shaggy dog and most of all the page where she tumbles through the rings and makes a perfect landing - I can hear the crowd clapping!

The language in this book is perfect. Quick come and see has a powerful immediacy about it - you just HAVE to turn the page. Here are a few phrases:

• bouncing, cat-pouncing, right up to the moon
• loops with some hoops
• backward roll, forward roll, sausage roll too
• I can twizzle and twist

This book has been shortlisted by the CBCA in the Early Childhood picture book category.

Here are the judges' comments: An enticing invitation opens this vibrant picture book, as a vivacious young child confidently demonstrates their gymnastic prowess, bouncing, cartwheeling and flipping their way across the pages. Their dog, a silent but invested observer throughout, provides a lovely contrast. This book conveys so much energy and life which children will connect with immediately. The young child’s voice permeates the tight, joyful rhyming text which includes a rich assortment of verbs, nouns and adjectives. Pencil, ink, crayon, gouache, and digital illustrations are filled with zoom in action and movement matching the equally energetic text. The endpapers are perfect bookends, as twirling ribbons, held in the child’s left at the start and right hand at the end, appear to capture the story. 

The rhyming text and boisterous, colourful imagery help to express the enthusiasm and liveliness of any child as new abilities emerge. This is a joy to read. It will remind adults of when they were young and excitable, and shows kids that it can be fun to try new skills, and that it is okay if it doesn’t work out the first time round. Perfect for ages 3+. Readings Melbourne

I previously mentioned this book in a post about Briony Stewart. Here is her website.  My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a terrific Pinterest collection of books that celebrate dance. 

I Know you're lying by Daphne Benedis Grab

 

Sasha is blackmailing kids in middle school at Snow Valley Secondary School. Her backpack has been taken from her locker in the early hours of the morning and the school security camera shows four students who were in the school well before the time they should arrive. WHY? 

This book is sure to totally engross readers aged 10+. The four kids work so hard and in such a clever way to solve the school crime of a stolen backpack. Each of the four - Nora, Maddie, Jack and Henry have their own back story which is slowly revealed as they open up to one another.

I started this book last night and finished it early this morning - it really is a page turner!

Bookseller blurb: There's been a theft at the middle school! Sasha's bag has been stolen from her locker. The security cameras on the school's front entrance captured four students entering the building early. Present at the time of the crime, Maddie, Jack, Nora, and Henry become top suspects. Each of them has a reason to dislike Sasha. Each has something to hide. But which of them is responsible for the break-in? And can they figure out who the thief is before Sasha gets her revenge ... on all of them. Set during a single day of school, this is a gripping, twisty read about what happens when bullying goes too far, written by Daphne Benedis-Grab, author of I Know Your Secret.

Set after the Covid-19 lockdowns, the novel also addresses repercussions from the pandemic. Jack, who has a Vietnamese American father and White mother, experiences anti-Asian racism, and Henry’s father’s restaurant closed due to the pandemic, leaving the household financially insecure. The author links these diverging storylines in just the right places to drive the twists and turns, bolstering an underlying anti-bullying theme. Kirkus

Companion reads:

Because of Mr Terupt

The Year Mrs Montague Cried

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak

"Dogs are also superior in the following ways: we acknowledge danger when humans won't - their capacity for denial is much, much greater.  We forgive readily and often.  And we do not feel one emotion while displaying another; take, for example, the prevalence of humans claiming  'I'm fine', when they are not fine at all."

Cosmo is a Golden Retriever. He is the narrator, you surely saw the "I" in the title. Cosmo tells us about his family and especially his best friend Max. Cosmo is a old dog. He is thirteen years old and his hips often ache. The good thing is age has also made him a wise dog. He has an amazing level of emotional intelligence.

"Max once told me that he loves the sky the way I love tennis balls and perhaps this is true. A ball is never just a ball; it's the smell, the bounce, the memories. It's camping trips and barbeques, winters and summers, Max and I playing fetch in dewy fields."

"I feel the urge to pace as we enter the room. Straightaway, I can sense a dramatic shift in the air, like Max and I have walked directly into a thunderstorm and our paws are getting wet."

Of course he also sometimes causes havoc - not that he intends to do this. The incident with the turkey at Thanksgiving was is very funny and yet so terrible!

"The stool wobbles. The tray wobbles.  And in slow motion, the whole thing topples on to the linoleum, spraying turkey guts and juice and soggy carrots in a delicious arc. 
I'm caught between feelings of terror and  absolute joy. There is turkey on the floor!"

There were times I laughed out loud reading this book and moments I gasped with sadness. Luckily Max has his beautiful dog and he has his wonderful Uncle Reggie and both help him in the most perfect ways as he navigates the breakdown of his parent's relationship and the challenge of change in is life. Max himself is in turn so gentle with his little sister Emmaline.

I should mention Max is training Cosmo to dance so when you read this book grab a copy of the movie Grease so you can dance along with them. If you click this link you can see an example of a dog and his owner competing with their dance routine. (Thanks Ms Yingling).

Cosmo knows a lot about the human world. He has listened to stories such as Harold and the Purple Crayon - Dinosaur Days and Calvin and Hobbs. He also loves to watch television especially the Discovery Channel.

I do enjoy books told from the dog's perspective. I loved (for older readers) Dog by Daniel Pennac; A dog's life by Ann Martin; (and for younger readers) The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan; Spunky tells all by Ann Cameron; Choosing Crumble by Michael Rosen; and  Good Dog McTavish by Meg Rosoff.

Read more plot details by clicking these review comments:

The narrative is very thought-provoking whilst also dribbling with turkey juices and doggy humour. The more you read, the sadder the story gets, so get ready with the tissues! The story is very sensitively told and is an insightful view of modern-day family life. Mr Ripleys Enchanted books

I,Cosmo is a joyful exploration of the inner world of dogs, a celebration of the relationship between a little boy and his best friend, and a kindly story about how families can confront and manage difficulties and move forward despite them. I loved it. The Bookbag

Cosmo’s narration combines wit, heart, stubbornness, and a grouchy dignity, all ably tugging at funny bones and heartstrings alike. Kirkus Star Review

Cosmo understands more about his humans than they do themselves, and he is keenly aware of Max's emotional state. This is the dog book that we all think our OWN dogs would write. Ms Yingling

I, Cosmo has a different cover in the US. Which do you prefer?

Listen to Carlie read from her book. Here is her web site.

All I want for Christmas is Rain by Cori Brooke illustrated by Megan Forward

All I want for Christmas is Rain is so obviously an Australian story.  We have Christmas in the Summer. Australia is one of the driest continents. Our farmers have to cope with such weather extremes - drought, flood, fire but eventually rain does come and the landscape revives.  This book is a celebration of the renewal and relief rain can bring.  The CBCA have selected this book for the Early Childhood award short list.

The text is told as a rhyme :

My mission was clear - I had hatched a great plan:
I would ask for help from the great bearded man.

I love the perspective in the illustration where we see Jane talking with Santa.  She looks so small yet so self assured.  Santa looks huge but somehow also soft like a pillow.  Make sure you show a class the end papers. Brown at the beginning and green at the end - a celebration of the change wrought by rain.  The illustrations are the real strength of this book.

When rain does come on Christmas morning the presents can wait. It is time for the whole family to run outside and dance.

Cori Brooke and Megan Forward both have web sites worth exploring. Perhaps not coincidentally they both live in Queensland.  Cori has had two books published and Megan has three.  You can watch a video of Megan and Cori talking about the way they approached this book.  You might like to read this review.

We will also look at some other fabulous books about rain.

When you read this book with a class it would be good to compare the illustrations and story line with two other Australian books on the same theme of rain at Christmas time.

Marguerite's fountain by Rachel Elliot illustrated by Petra Brown

"Every day Benjamin watched Marguerite dancing 

around the fountain. He longed to be friends with her 

but Benjamin was shy and didn't dare."

Marguerite dances alone but one day Randolph arrives.  He wants exclusive rights to the fountain so first he flatters and flirts with Marguerite and then he banishes her to the sewer.  Benjamin is distraught.  He knows he must take a stand and rescue Marguerite. He may not he brave but Benjamin is a problem solver.  He finds a way to turn off the fountain then he tells Randolph :

"The fountain is missing Marguerite."
"The fountain is unhappy because Marguerite is unhappy."

Randolph goes underground to investigate the problem but emerges dirty and unsuccessful. Benjamin then steps into the drain and when he emerges not only has he 'fixed' the fountain but he has found his voice.  He declares to Randolph :

"You are a coward! ... your heart is stony as the cathedral and as tiny as a single drop of water ... Leave now."

I have read some criticism of Marguerite's Fountain.  Yes Marguerite is a white mouse, Randolph is black and Benjamin is brown and perhaps this is a cliche but the illustrations (here is Petra Brown's web site) are very special and I think the message is too - bullies should not be allowed to 'win'.

Joe and Sparky, Superstars! by Jamie Michalak illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Here is another joyous beginner book - Joe and Sparky, Superstars!  Joe Giraffe is a man with ideas.  Sparky, the tortoise, is somewhat reluctant to try new things but he is a loyal friend.

The friends, who live in cageless zoo, see a show on television about Talented Pairs and immediately Joe can see fame and glory.  The problem comes when they try to discover Sparky's talent.  Nothing seems right :

"I am done!' said Sparky.  'I cannot dance or tell a joke.  I cannot run, slide, or stand on one foot.  I cannot be Sparky the Star.  Just for you Joe, I have tried.  But we will never be a talented pair."

Of course this is not quite true and at the end of the day Joe and Sparky make a surprising and wonderful discovery.  This is, however, not the end.  The last page is perfect.  Joe sees a poster advertising positions for movie extras and it is clear the whole process will begin again.

Here is the web site for the author.  There are three books in this series. We definitely need to add all of them to our library collection.  You can read an excellent review here.

This book reminds me of the Minton series by Anna Fienberg so if you are a Minton fan you should look for Joe and Sparky.

Oracle by Jackie French

“The wind smelled of rock and ice the night their father took Nikko’s sister out to die.” This is a wonderful opening sentence and if you have been reading for a long time you will know for certain this baby is not going to die and that Nikko will be our hero and he will rescue her. Jackie French is such a master storyteller. I simply devoured this wonderful book about life in Ancient Greece.

“Things done in darkness could be ignored. But it was daylight now. … His sister was safe.” I just had to tell you this part so you can breathe again knowing everything will be fine.

Nikko rescues Thetis and so changes the destiny of their lives. They live in a poor mountain village in a rocky environment where food is scarce and goats are the main source of income. Each year the High King sends his tribute gatherers to gather a tenth of the year’s produce. The people of Nikko’s village try to hide their best goats and their grain stores but Orkestres comes upon the children and their goats as they head up the mountain and so the village plans are thwarted.

Orkestres is not a solider or gatherer, he is an entertainer who performs for the High King and is also sent to distract the people in each village as their hard fought resources are taken away. Orkestres is a wonder to behold. “He was bare-chested…. His skin shone like a pot rubbed with oil. Stones shone from his earlobes and wrists and ankles … his hands were empty; he had not even a hunting spear of knife.”

It is Orkestres who will change the lives of Nikkos and Thetis forever. He sees in the siblings a special talent which he thinks might amuse the High King. He offers to swap the children for the village tribute. It is quite a chilling scene when their father simply states “You can take them.”

The new life is both wonderful and terrifying. These two children do indeed perform for the High King and their dance is breathtaking but there is also the constant threat of what might happen if they fail to please the High King.

When you read Oracle you will feel as though you are really in the castle eating the food, smelling the perfumes and soaking up the scenery. There are so many twists and turns in this plot I am not going to tell you everything it would be better to just read this book but if you are curious you could read this blog review.

This book is perfect for a mature Primary student and when you finish reading it you will most definitely want to seek out other books by this very talented writer. Look for Tajore Arkle as your next book it is a personal favourite of mine.

Morris MacMillipede The Toast of Brussel Sprout by Mick Fitzmaurice illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

This book has such a fabulous title!!

We all have dreams and Morris MacMillipede is no exception. He dreams of ballet but how can this be possible with 42 pairs of feet? Buying ballet shoes is the first obstacle but after many weeks as a paper boy Morris is finally able to buy all those shoes for 84 pounds. The ballet classes with Madame Butterfly are hopeless but when Morris lands the part of the ugly caterpillar in Sleeping Beauty it seems his dreams can come true. Sad to say the performance is a disaster but all is not lost. It is the wise old Stag Beetle – the voice of wisdom who first encouraged Morris to follow his dreams, who now comes to the rescue.

I am a huge fan of Satoshi Kitamura and this little junior novel is made all the more special by the addition of his marvelous illustrations. Morris MacMillipede has a fun cast of insect characters and an tells an important heart warming story.

Simple stories that are easy to read but have stories you want to keep reading are sometimes hard to find for young readers. This one is a winner. You should also look for other books illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura in our school library especially What's inside the Alphabet book and In the attic.