Poppy & Pipsqueak: The Mighty Pipsqueak

The Mighty Pipsqueak helps early readers learn they can overcome problems even if they feel small and insignificant, teaching the importance of trying their best.

Can a tiny puppy become a working dog?

Poppy lives on a farm in Australia with her parents. When she was born, she was so small that she was in hospital for a long time before she could come home. She is still smaller than her friends and needs glasses to see properly, as well as hearing aids.

When a border collie on their farm has a puppy much smaller than the others in the litter, it becomes clear that the puppy won't survive as it has to compete with its siblings for food and warmth. But Poppy's dad is reluctant to let her hand-raise it, telling her there's no place for weak pups on a farm. Poppy manages to convince him to let her take care of Pipsqueak and sets about doing everything she can to help her grow into a fine dog and show Dad that the little pup will be an asset on the farm.

The Mighty Pipsqueak is written from the point of view of a young girl with significant physical challenges that she continually overcomes as she sets about helping a tiny puppy survive despite the odds stacked against it. It teaches children how to overcome any obstacles they might find in their own lives.