Ernie the Corgi loves his flash kennel. It’s red, gold and green and looks a lot like a castle.

Then there’s Benny. He’s not so lucky, living on the street without a family to call his own.

One day Benny spies something golden in the air. It lands near a red, gold and green kennel, and Benny is so intrigued he jumps a gate to get a closer look.

The golden thing Benny saw is a letter from the Queen. Ernie has been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet her. Before they can even let out a yap, something magic is happening to Ernie’s kennel! Benny is suddenly along for a ride through the air.

They are off on a magical trip around the world, collecting other dogs along the way. They all have a golden ticket from the Queen too.

Dressed in regal blue, the Queen greets them with a royal bulldog. They are all welcomed and soon shown their past. Homeless Benny never had a ticket though, and now he wonders where he fits. The Queen assures him,

“Home’s more than a family tree.

It’s anyone who loves someone, for love is family.”

His new mate Ernie is quickly by his side to prove it.

NZ Radio Hosts Robert Rakete and Jeanette Thomas have penned this story about their own dogs who provide happiness both at THE BREEZE radio station and at home, going on a magical adventure together.

The rhyme and rhythm is excellent and each stop around the world provides an opportunity to talk about that country with young readers. Each country also has their own ‘signature’ dog breed along for the ride.

Kimberley Andrew’s colourful illustrations of these lucky dogs and their magical journey add even more fun to Ernie and the Magic Kennel.

All author proceeds from the sale of this book are being donated to Saving Hope Foundation & Duffy Books in Homes.

Authors – Robert Rakete & Jeanette Thomas

Illustrator – Kimberly Andrews

Picture Book

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