From Carlie Sorosiak, author of If Birds Fly Back and Wild Blue Wonder, we now have I, Cosmo, her debut for middle fiction readers. I, Cosmo is narrated by the honest, heartwarming and brilliantly hilarious voice of Cosmo, a golden retriever.

Cosmo’s job, as he sees it, is to doggedly protect his family. Usually this means sharing warnings about the plans of the dastardly, evil, tutu-wearing sheepdog from down the road, or making sure he hides bacon for sharing later. But lately it has taken on a different meaning. As Dad-scented blankets appear on the couch, and angry voices become more commonplace, Cosmo must somehow protect his boy, Max, and his little sister Emmaline, and show mum and dad that they belong together. Then an unexpected opportunity arises: a dance competition. Surely, if Max and Cosmo win the competition, mum and dad will see how inseparable they all are. And with a dog that loves the classics like ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘Grease’, of course all will be well – or will it?

This is a sweet, sad novel, with moments of riotous mirth and hope. It shows we can all find our place, even if it isn’t where we thought it was at the beginning. For ages 8+.

Claire Atherfold is the children’s book buyer at Readings State Library.