Tip is desperate for a dog. Her parents are cautious, though.
Undeterred, Tip tries one tactic after another until – BINGO! – a tiny puppy is left abandoned at the markets. Tip and her parents can’t just leave it there, can they?
As expected, and despite her parents’ insistence that they need to find a home for it, this puppy worms its way first into Mum’s heart and then Dad’s.
Lo and behold, the puppy has a home. Let the fun begin!
Dad names him Sagittarius Rising. It’s a name befitting of a strong-minded, loyal and adventure-loving dog. None of them see the looming omen.
Chapter by chapter, Tip discovers what it really means to own a puppy. The chewing. The barking. The walk-time mayhem. But Tip will never give up on her pup, no matter how much trouble he gets them both into.
Known for her wonderful collections of poetry, Maxine Beneba Clarke has risen to the challenge of writing a full novel in rhyming couplets.
In Sagittarius Rising (despite the challenge of those rhyming couplets), the story comes first, as it should. Although some of the couplets are a bit tricky to read aloud (with some of the rhyme and rhythm a little forced), this format is perfect for a fun, pacey story about a bouncy and active pup.
Written in six parts, each part is a themed story in itself and is divided into chapters, making Sagittarius Rising the perfect accessible read for this age group.
Each part focuses on a particular aspect of dog ownership, so not only do we have a great story with a traditional plot but it’s also akin to a ‘new puppy owner’s manual’.
Jade Goodwin’s gorgeous illustration really bring Sagittarius to life with playful expressions and big puppy-dog eyes that you’ll fall in love with.
Sagittarius Rising is the ultimate innovative junior fiction and a fun introduction to long-form poetry. With short, accessible chapters, a complete plot and a universally loved ‘naughty puppy’ theme, what else is needed?
Title: Sagittarius Rising
Author: Maxine Beneba Clarke
Illustrator: Jade Goodwin
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing $17.99
Publication Date: 28 July 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761215278
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Junior Fiction (verse novel)
