The boy and the dog tree by Fiona Wood

Mitch’s life has just gone through upheaval; he must start at a new school halfway through the school year and he is far from comfortable with the move. His parents are working overseas and their return is delayed, so Mitch is staying with his grandmother until his family can move into their new home. Mitch and his very social sister have very different comfort levels as they enter Year 5 and Year 4 respectively.  And the class bully soon targets Mitch. Mitch’s anxiety is at an all-time high … if only he had a dog as a friend. The local park has a tree that looks a little like a big dog, and it seems to be calling to him. A magical moment transforms Mitch’s life with the appearance of Argos, a wild and independent dog of unknown background. His magical strength and confidence gives Mitch an opportunity to grow in confidence and find his way, but first he must protect Argos from threats from his local community. Can Mitch keep Argos or will his size and strength create problems for Mitch? And can Argos’ magic last? 

This is a story that weaves gentle magical possibilities with a story of a boy finding himself and finding friendship, and learning to speak out, even in the face of a bully and in uncertain circumstances. Wanting a pet is also a desire that needs to be addressed within his family.  This is not an unusual theme in a mid-primary novel, but the solution for Mitch has magical overtones. The story has magical mystery and intrigue as the dog in the story is far from a dog home ‘rescue dog’ but rather is a rescuer in nature. This book will be enjoyed by mid-primary readers (aged 9-12) who enjoy fiction where characters grow in confidence, with realistic storylines sprinkled with magical prospects. The magic is not very intense … more Magic Faraway Tree than Harry Potter. The term ‘witch’ is used for one child character who is not aware of her ‘magic’. The bully is unlikeable and is ‘transformed’ into a duck for a night. The central character also has a brief transformation into an owl - unnecessary for the story, but more magic. Mostly though this is about a boy finding his voice, his own path, and maybe a pet.

Themes: Fear and courage, Dogs, Magic, Moving schools, Bullying, Family, Pet ownership.

Carolyn Hull