The Boy and the Dog Tree by Fiona Wood – Our Review

Our Review… In The Boy and the Dog Tree by Fiona Wood, magic slips quietly into the everyday in the most wonderful way. Mitch’s life has been turned upside down. While his parents are stranded overseas for work, he and his sister are sent to live with their gran in a new city. Starting a new school is hard enough, but with a Grade 5 bully determined to make life miserable, Mitch longs for the one thing he believes would make everything better – a dog. Then he discovers an old oak tree that seems to growl. One night, from its twisted trunk, emerges Argos – a huge, ancient, dog-like creature bound to the tree by “history, mystery, magic and chance.” Argos has appeared to guide Mitch, though he is nothing like the obedient companion Mitch imagined. Wild, proud and fiercely loyal, Argos brings courage, chaos and a little danger into Mitch’s world. As their unlikely friendship grows, Mitch begins to find his voice and the bravery to face the things that scare him most. But when Argos himself is threatened for being different, Mitch must decide whether he is ready to stand up for the extraordinary creature who has changed him forever. Filled with humour, heart and a touch of wild magic, this uplifting novel is a beautiful story about friendship, belonging and discovering the courage within yourself. Review by Nicole