Zac hasn’t really settled into his new home with his Dad and step-siblings. Dad’s wife Anna is kind and is the one who decides finding Zac a dog might ease him away from his games console and into the beautiful outdoors surrounding their home. Zac is dubious. After all, he grew up in Auckland with his mum and he’s not interested in hunting, fishing or tramping like his dad and step brother Mason.

Zac changes his mind after seeing a large white dog at the SPCA. The staff are surprised when the dog seems to like Zac too. It has been hard to handle and was destined to be put down. Zac quickly chooses her name – Ice. After a little settling in for both Ice and Zac, they build a bond that becomes life-saving.

At his dad’s insistence, Zac begins work at a local animal sanctuary. Zac is surprised at how many different animals are there, as he thought he’d just be cleaning up native bird poo all day. The owner named Peter Slagter, seems to be incredibly wealthy and is also Dad’s boss.

The animal keeper Lwazi warns Zac against this rich and dangerous man, and it’s not long before Zac learns how he has made his wealth and just how ruthless he really is. Ice has her own secrets too, leading Zac on a day trip across the snow to a mound of snow hiding something. Soon Zac, Ice and his family are all in danger.

After years of feeling inadequate around his father, Zac and Ice become an unbeatable team after performing a double rescue, then nearly becoming tiger tucker! Trusting Ice’s instincts and her past training saves him again and again.

ICE is a fast-paced story full of animals, action, and a boy trying to prove himself to his dad. I felt for Zac in the beginning as he seemed like a fish out of water. He only knew city life, and is expected to slide right into a love of the outdoors. With the help of his younger step-sister and an amazing dog, Zac finds all the courage, strength and smarts in real life that he has perfected in his favourite console game.

Ice is a wonderful character in her own right, full of sorrow herself in the beginning. As all truly wonderful boy/dog stories go, they find strength, hope and trust in one another, which is not only heart warming, but authentic. Ice in fact is the clever one in this tale, saving the humans and not the other way round. Animal stories often make me cry, but I was cheering Ice on all the way.

Great setting. Great characters. Great read! 

Author – Susan Brocker

Illustrator – Minky Stapleton

Age – 9+

(2022, Scholastic, Dogs, German Shepherd, Tracker Dogs, Police Dogs, Poaching, Smuggling, Animal Sanctuary, Crime, Illegal, Danger, Courage, Ice, Snow, Mountains, Tigers, Elephants, Lions, Family, Blended Family, Step brother, Step sister, SPCA, Animal adoption, Helicopters, Wealth, Power, Control, Action, NZ, New Zealand, South Island)