A modern, warm and engaging shaggy dog story from Australia's leading picture-book maker.

One morning Kate bursts into her parents' bedroom. "Let's get a pup!" she cries. They all set off to the rescue centre where they see dogs of all shapes and sizes. Kate knows which one she wants the second she sees him. Small, cute and excited, to Kate, Dave is everything a dog could be. But then she sees Rosy...

Creators

Bob Graham has written and illustrated many children's picture books, including Max, which won the 2000 Smarties Gold Medal, and Jethro Byrde, Fairy Child, which won the 2003 Kate Greenaway Medal. He has won the Australian Children's Book of the Year Award an unprecedented three times.

Reviews

Both dogs and people have personality plus, and the story itself is an emotional grabber with a conclusion sure to evoke sighs of satisfaction.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This is first-rate child’s fare, with enough joy to bring smiles to kids’ faces and a few touching moments to tug at their heartstrings….This is a book sure to make both listeners and readers feel warm and happy when they put it down.

Booklist (starred review)

Graham paints quirky people and perky pups in watercolor with pen and ink in an oversized format, and his story is filled with evocative language and the emotions that four-footed friends can elicit.

Kirkus Reviews

This endearing book successfully compels those previously pledged to pedigree puppies to try an alternative route.

School Library Journal

Featured/recommended

Houston Chronicle

Awards

CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Early Childhood (2002) - Winner
Kate Greenaway Medal (CILIP) (2001) - Short-listed
Norfolk Libraries’ Children’s Book Award (2002) - Short-listed
Sheffield Children’s Book Award (2002) - Short-listed
Other books you'll love