1. Art motifs
2. Dogs
3. Environment
4. Environmental protection
5. Grandmothers
6. Pets
7. Respect
8. Wildlife conservation

Julie disobeys Gran when she secretly brings home a jar of taddies that she has collected from the creek near home. The young girl knows that she has done the wrong thing as she hides the taddies in her room – her grandmother and mother have told her that “wild things belong in the wild” – but she so wants a pet. All-knowing Gran discovers Julie’s secret and together they return the taddies to the creek. But the discovery of an abandoned small brown dog may mean that Julie will get her wish – she just needs to convince mum!

Morgan’s characteristic solid gouache naïve-style illustrations are alive with dazzling patterns and repeated motifs that reference her Aboriginal heritage and engage young readers. Respecting elders and caring for the land are recurring themes in Morgan’s books for children.

Award winning author and artist, Sally Morgan is descended from the the Bailgu people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

1. 'Book People: Sally Morgan' interviewed by Megan Daley 3 August 2015 https://childrensbooksdaily.com/book_reviews/book-people-sally-morgan/
2. Interview with Professor Sally Morgan: the importance of stories. Arts Law Centre of Australia, 30 September 2004 https://www.artslaw.com.au/article/professor-sally-morgan-the-importance-of-stories/