This is not only a tale about a dog that finds a new home, but an opportunity for children to learn about the necessary commitments involved in dog ownership.
Humorous and highly entertaining, information concerning the habits of canines flow within the storyline, including why marking their territory is as imperative as smelling, and how training builds a closer relationship between dog and owner.
Bitza has a new permanent home with humans that love him and has finally established his position in the middle of the couch. But Dad is Top Dog.
And there are rules to be learnt.
What are Rules? There are so many that listening to them puts Bitza to sleep.
Besides, he has rules of his own bouncing around like a ball in his head.
Through Bitza’s tone we feel his confusion as Jas tries to explain what is expected of him. But there appears to be a problem with communication between dog and human. Although he can be taught what is expected of him, how can his human decipher his growls?
School is starting again, and Dad is concerned that their new resident has become Jas’ world. She must teach Bitza to be alone, while she is reminded of the importance of keeping up her human connections.
Freddy, the dog next door, is a persuader. Overactive and full of ideas, he communicates quite well with his new neighbour. Persuading Bitza to follow his lead is easy.
A loose pale in the fence puts things in motion. Then what’s done can’t be undone.
Stephen Michael King's delightful illustrations allow us to follow pranks and other forbidden actions through his images.
Look out for the next two titles in this series full of movement and fun. They will be available in September.
Title: Bitza: Rules? What Rules?
Author: Andrew Daddo
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Penguin, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 17 February 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761355998
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction