Runt by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton and published by Allen & Unwin, recommended for readers 8-12, is a fast paced, witty, highly memorable, engaging and ruminative read that I shared with my daughter. Craig Silvey includes many meaty themes such as family selflessly coming together to overcome obstacles, true friendship, grit and resilience in the face of adversity, the power of community, championing the underdog, good versus evil, human versus nature and cultivating contentment in life.
In this story, eleven year old Annie Shearer lives with her vibrant mum (Susie), hardworking dad (Bryan) who has a highly fascinating secret talent that he is supremely gifted at, dare-devil brother Max, Dolly her indomitable grandma and their beloved adopted, agile dog Runt in the country town of Upson Downs (we knew when we were in for a treat when we read the name of the country town, such a fun and creative play on words and this masterful word choice continues and delights throughout the story). Upson Downs was once a vibrant, thriving, bustling town, home to thousands of residents and sheep. This town has become drought affected and this has been made worse by the nefarious actions of the greed driven, pompous landlord, Earl Robert-Barren who has built a dam to ensure his lavish property receives all of the town’s water supply and in doing so deprives all of the other residents of what was once a reliable water source. The highly sought after wool produced in Upson Downs is adversely affected and no longer demanded around the world as the water supply dries up. Tourists stop visiting, businesses close and the trickle-down effects continue throughout the community and eventually impact the farmers who are forced off their land. All while Earl Robert–Barren profits from the town’s misfortune as he is the only person offering to buy the land at a stingy price.
Annie overhears her parents talking about an “overdraft on an overdraft”. She is not sure what this means, but is aware that her family are struggling financially. Annie is empathetic and highly intuitive; she is a fixer of problems, situations and items (which is why she always wears her Grandpa Wally’s old tool belt around her waist as it contains bits and bobs in the many pockets that may come in handy). Her one dear friend is Runt, a stray dog that is wary of humans and chooses Annie to be his faithful companion. Together they make a formidable team.
It’s at the Woolarmara Show that Annie sees a potential solution to her family’s money concerns. She spots a banner declaring $500 in prize money for the canine agility course competition. After some quick thinking and creative problem solving Annie is able to enter the competition. Before competing there is one more hurdle to overcome. Runt won’t carry out any commands if people are watching. Annie’s ingenuity ensures she quickly comes up with a solution for this problem. Annie and Runt win and set a new record. Fergus Fink, a contemptable person and fifteen-time national runner up is absolutely outraged at the turn of events. This win sees Annie and Runt earn the cash prize and an invitation to the world renowned Krumpets Dog Show in London which offer the grand prize of a quarter of a million dollars.
Determined to give it her best effort, Annie studies past Grand Championship performances and familiarises herself with the different apparatus. She is resourceful, innovative and inventive in order to create a training course for Runt. She creates tunnels, hurdles and balancing beams out of discarded pieces on the farm. Annie and Runt are highly committed, training every day in their dusty, parched paddock.
Entering a world championship competition requires immense courage, tenacity, resolve, a supportive team, discipline and problem solving skills to overcome the inevitable barriers (for Annie this includes the associated costs and the ever present problem of Runt not performing in front of an audience). Unbeknownst to Annie she also has the problem of Fergus Fink who is also competing and is cruel, calculating and unscrupulous, he will stop at nothing to ensure the victory is his.
Being resourceful Annie travels far and wide to reputable animal trainers, healers and a past agility course champion to see if she can gain some wisdom and advice for solving Runt’s inability to perform and freeze in front of a crowd. After carefully listening to Bernadette, a former competitor, an idea strikes and Annie’s mind tumbles with plans and ideas to create a special piece (blinders) for Runt in the hopes that this will enable him to compete in the presence of an audience.
The community of Upson Downs rallies together and ensure enough funds are raised to see Annie, Runt and Bryan fly to London.
What transpires at the dog show will have you on the edge of your seat experiencing all of the emotions as you shake your head and become more and more disgusted and outraged with Fergus Fink and his deplorable scheming ways; you will find yourself cheering with the entire Upson Downs community as you barrack for Annie and Runt with everything you have as they compete, you will feel like your heart could burst with pride at Annie’s actions in the competition and your eyes may start to well with happy tears.
There is so very much to appreciate about this glorious book. The often eccentric and layered characters, each with their own shining strengths and talents in strong contrast to the two villains (Earl Robert-Barren and Fergus Fink) come to life through their actions as well as with Annie’s fascinating comparisons she draws between the people in the story and animals as she recounts the traits they share. The females in this story, Annie, her mum and grandma are strong role models who are selfless, kind and have a strong moral compass. We looked forward to each new chapter heading as we enjoyed using these to predict what may unfold. This story caused us to often pause, ponder and discuss the characters, their actions, the events and predict what may happen. The language, oh how we loved this, so witty and fun. Sara Acton’s illustrations peppered throughout the book are delightful and yet another element to savour. I cannot recommend this story highly enough, especially as a read aloud as it is an outstanding book both adults and children will treasure with its timeless and universal themes, it is balm for the soul.