Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping

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.

Endlessly charming, deeply funny and bursting with heart, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping is an engrossing mystery filled with twists and surprises. A beautiful, tender and moving sequel to the bestselling, multi-award-winning classic, Runt.

AWARDS FOR RUNT:
Winner, Dymocks Book of the Year for Younger Readers, 2022
Winner, Best Children’s Book, Indie Book Awards, 2023
Winner, Book of the Year: Younger Readers, CBCA Awards, 2023
Winner, Book of the Year, Indie Book Awards, 2023
Winner, Children’s Book of the Year, BookPeople Book of the Year Awards, 2023
Winner, Book of the Year for Younger Children, ABIAs, 2023
Shortlisted, Best Fiction for Older Readers, Young Australians Best Book Awards, 2024
Shortlisted, Children’s Literature Award, South Australian Literary Awards, 2024

Format: Hardback
Pages: 416
Imprint: Allen & Unwin Children’s Books
Publication date: 01/10/2025
Illustrator: Acton, Sara
Series: Runt