I know it seems a little early to talk about Christmas books, but you may want to catch the overseas Christmas mail and send this to a homesick Victorian – or you may just want to enjoy a charming story. A small white terrier gets a fright in a thunderstorm and escapes from home to find his young owner. This picture book is set in what looks like the 1950s, and as Little Dog searches through the streets he passes well-known Melbourne establishments and landmarks. I love seeing my city depicted in a book and children will enjoy putting names to places. They will also empathise with the sweet Little Dog as he wearies from his long day of scouring the town. Will his Christmas be a happy one? Readers and dog-lovers aged 3 and up will be keen to find out.

Alexa Dretzke