A little pup in a cage in a barn is at the very beginning of his life. Separated from his mother he longs for happiness and a family. That dream propels this adventure. As his story progresses, little Scruffity encounters many more people and other animals – some friendly, some sly, some kind and some cold. He’s learning what it is to be a little dog alive in a world of danger and beauty!

Many readers will already be familiar with Zana Fraillon’s much lauded books. In 2017 Fraillon won our Young Adult prize for The Bone Sparrow. The Way of Dog is a verse novel, and the language used is entirely unique but always delivered with clarity. This book has a timeless quality that feels like the work of Kate DiCamillo.

Sean Buckingham provides beautiful illustrations of the wiry little hound and his world. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little misty-eyed as you are reading this one. It’s a book that is heartbreaking yet equally heartwarming, and it has been written with a great deal of care and compassion. The language is so alive that it will certainly make a wonderful read aloud. Highly recommended for ages 8–12.

Kim Gruschow is from Readings st Kilda