
After moving in with her well-meaning Uncle Mark, Katie is given Rascal, an excitable, chaotic kurī who playfully refuses to do what she’s told. Whaea Kaz’s te reo Māori dog classes become the start of an unexpected adventure, as Katie, Rascal and Uncle Mark learn simple commands, grow braver and closer together, and discover plenty of joyful chaos along the way, while encouraging everyday use of te reo Māori by speakers of all skill levels. It’s a story about confidence, friendship and the rewards of trying something new, even if you’re terrible at first.

Shy Katie moves in with enthusiastic Uncle Mark and gets an unexpected new friend, a puppy she names Rascal. Panic sets in when Katie turns up to puppy class and discovers it's taught in te reo Maori.

Katie and Rascal's first puppy lesson is a disaster! Rascal refuses to listen, and Katie struggles with her reo. Ready to quit, Katie must decide whether she's brave enough to stay and try again.

After Katie freezes up, Whaea Kaz tries an unorthodox approach, and suddenly it clicks. Just as her confidence grows, Katie learns her final test will be performed in front of friends and whanau.

With the big test looming, Katie and Rascal begin to work as a team, and the new commands finally stick. Meanwhile, Uncle Mark embarks on his own te reo Maori journey.

When Rascal struggles with a new command, Katie worries she's not a very good dog owner. With Whaea Kaz's help, Katie learns she's not an owner - she's a guardian, a kaitiaki, just like Uncle Mark.

It's the day of the final test, and Katie must face her fears and trust herself, her reo, and her kuri. With support from Whaea Kaz and Uncle Mark, Katie and Rascal discover just how far they've come.