<b>A heart-warming, funny, beautifully told story for readers of all ages from the bestselling author of <i>Jasper Jones</i> and <i>Honeybee</i>.</b><br /><br /><b>WINNER: 2023 CBCA Book of the Year, Younger Readers</b><br /><b>'You don't have to carry the weight of the world in your tool belt.'</b><br /><br /> Annie Shearer lives in the country town of Upson Downs with her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt. The two share a very special bond.<br /><br /> After years evading capture, Runt is remarkably fast and agile, perfect for herding runaway sheep. But when a greedy local landowner puts her family's home at risk, Annie directs Runt's extraordinary talents towards a different pursuit - winning the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.<br /><br /> However, there is a curious catch: Runt will only obey Annie's commands if nobody else is watching.<br /><br /> With all eyes on them, Annie and Runt must beat the odds and the fastest dogs in the world to save her farm.<br /><br /><i>Runt</i> is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others.