Perfect for early readers who love crazy little dogs and often wonder what is actually going through their heads!
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Andrew Daddo is well-known to most Australians for his TV and stage presence over many years, or for the 52 books he has written that include picture books, short stories, and novels. He seems to have a knack for knowing what will appeal to different age groups.
Bitza, named because he is “a bit Labrador and a bit Poodle … a bit Kelpy and Staffy and maybe even a Hound,” is a bit lost. One day at the park, a dog called Freddy takes his ball, so Bitza follows him home. Bitza soon forgets he has another home to go to. These new smells and things to see are so exciting! And there is a little girl to play with!
In this story we follow Bitza as he discovers new places and people. It is written in the first person by Bitza himself. As readers we are privy to all his thoughts as he tries to do the right thing, but food and balls will more than often make him forget. Bitza’s conversations are in bold font making it very clear when he is speaking.
Full of exuberance, Bitza bounds around the house, causing mayhem as tries to get the humans to understand what he wants. He wonders why they don’t understand his barks. Surely it is clear that they mean I am hungry, that is my ball, or I promise not to wee on the lawn.
The illustrations by Stephen Michael King who has illustrated books by authors such as Margaret Wild, Tim Winton, and Nick Bland will be very familiar to many. The bright-yellow front cover with Bitza in the centre immediately draws the reader’s eye to the cute dog with the huge eyes and big smile.
If you love reading stories about animals, especially dogs, this is the story for you. With Bitza squarely in the centre of the narrative, we get an idea of what a dog might be thinking as he looks at us, barks, or wags his tail. But be careful. Reading this book may encourage you or your loved ones to go out and find a new friend for the family.
Bitza is the first book in this series. The second, Bitza Book 2, was also released in February 2026.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: February 2026
RRP: $14.99
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