My Dog is set in 1990s Bosnia and Herzegovina. Autumn leaves stand out against the grey buildings. Touches of red in leaves and flowers hint at what might be coming. From the text we know there is nothing everyday about this scene. The young boy narrator, Alija, no longer attends school. Many are fleeing, their desperation reflected in their small bundles of possessions, but a few have stayed behind including Alija and his parents. His father is the village baker. Pulling his bread cart, the boy sees an old man with a dog and later sees the man has died. After Alija and his father bury the man, the little dog follows them home and is welcomed into their family. In the village a previously friendly neighbour turns against them. Finally, Alija and his mother leave to seek safety with an aunt. Alija smuggles his dog in his school bag. The journey is long, dangerous and confusing and just as they reach Aunty Magda’s valley, soldiers arrive. After a violent struggle his mother is dragged away. The grief-stricken boy keeps walking and is befriended by a kind old man. The story ends with the longing that one day the boy will be reunited with his precious family but for now all he has is hope, the kindness of strangers and his small dog.
This text uses very short sentences, and begins in the present tense, then uses past tense for the war events, and reverts to present tense for the open ending. Gentle water colours capture the poignancy and emotions of this story. Muted red sepia-style endpapers suggest the past. Small touches of red contrast with the muted backgrounds - red leaves; flowers placed on the grave; traditional embroidery on a blouse; a shiny apple. The poppies on the final page signal hope and there is optimism as the boy and his dog look down a winding road heading into the future.
2002 shortlisted New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards — Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Books
2002 honour book CBCA Book of the Year Awards — Picture Book of the Year
2002 winner CBCA Book of the Year Awards — Book of the Year: Younger Readers — Younger Readers
Picture Books for Older Readers
