I fell in love with Mr Walker when he came to a booksellers’ function. He had the insouciant manner of a well bred dog; he was a golden boy.

Trained as a guide dog for the visually impaired, he is now a canine ambassador at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne. He is also the star of his own book about his adventures and mishaps, and it is as endearing and pleasing as Mr Walker himself. As the machinations of a hotel are revealed through the eyes, ears and, particularly, the nose of this charmingly affable dog, we meet a host of guests and staff. We enjoy his triumphs and good-natured perspectives as he sniffs out a delicious pastry or greets a world-renowned musician with a wag of his tail.

Jess Black understands dogs and as you read you feel you could reach down and pat Mr Walker.

I have had huge pleasure in selling the equally charming Plumdog and this summer I am going to have as much fun with The Tales of Mr Walker. For ages 6+.

Alexa Dretzke is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Hawthorn.