The Appletree Animal Agency

Best friends find animals their forever homes in this cosy, heart-warming illustrated vet and rescue series for pet-loving kids ages 6-9

The joyful first book in a heart-warming and cosy animal rescue series from Carnegie-winner Katya Balen and beloved illustrator Gill Smith, for readers who love animals and all things vets.

"Cosy, heartwarming escapism in the spirit of Dick King-Smith." The Times, The 20 Best Children's Books of 2025

When Mattie wishes on a shooting star for a puppy, she knows her wish is hopeless. Her dad just doesn't believe Mattie is responsible enough to look after a puppy. She finds the next best thing when she and her friend Zoë start helping the new vet and animal rescuer, Dr Polly. Mattie still may not have a pet of her own, but she has amazing adventures rescuing a runaway ferret, trying to stop a greedy goat from eating everything in the garden and looking after an adorable puppy with a hurt paw. But as the animal rescue gets more and more crowded, Mattie, Zoë and the vet's son, Casper, realize that they need to do something more. Can they help the animals find their forever homes?

Set in the cosy village of Mossdale in the lead up to their village fête, this uplifting animal and friendship story is the perfect gift for readers age 6, 7, 8 and 9. And don't miss the friends' next snowy adventure as they try to help a cheeky puppy at Christmas in The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos!

"Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humour and emotion and this heart-warming animal adventure overflows with both." Daily Mail

Contributor: Gill Smith (Illustrated by)

Illustrator: Gill Smith

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.