An elderly gentleman and his equally elderly dog companion go for their usual walk in the neighbourhood park. Throughout both the gentleman and his dog show their great affection for one another. The author, Christopher Cheng, dedicates this book to the ‘Old Fellows of Camperdown Memorial Park’. The illustrator, Liz Anelli, captures their devotion towards each other in her illustrations. The opening endpapers feature ‘Old Fellow’ lazing in his bed reading the newspaper, while his dog affectionally drags the cover away, eager to take their usual leisurely stroll in the park. The interior room looks decidedly busy and cosy, warm and inviting with its glass-decorated door and comfy furnishings.

The story demonstrates the importance of diverse communities and communal spaces to bring people together. The artwork reveals detailed scenes of this busy park where people in the neighbourhood know and talk with one another. The park offers a welcoming environment with its comfy benches where children play, dogs of various breeds and personalities chase one another, people lay about, sit comfortably on blankets and benches, children go skate boarding, lost dogs are found, escaped chickens wander, ball games abound with people exercising, playing chess and sharing life experiences. Above all friendships and relationships between culturally diverse families and their pets feature and add to this story’s sense of contentment. Nothing much happens yet relationships blossom and thrive. As our elderly gentleman concludes, ‘Isn’t our park the most wonderful place.’

For the viewer, Liz Anelli has reflected these warm relationships and daily goings-on in the neighbourhood park and especially she captures the relationships between humans and their animals. Her illustrations are warm and inviting with a varied colour paint, collage, coloured pencils and computer-generated images. Here is a portrait of life in the neighbourhood part, one full of warmth and joy and a celebration of community connections.

1. Cross Cultural Relations
2. Cultural Traditions
3. Empathy
4. Friendship
5. Kindness
6. Relationships
7. Respect
8. Social Life