The Boy and the Dog Tree

Magical. Whimsical. Wild. This exceptional middle-grade novel about the special bond between a boy and his dog will set your heart free.

The Boy and the Dog Tree follows the story of Mitch and his profound connection with a mystical creature.

"So, are you my dog?" Mitch asked, in a whisper.
"No," said Argos. "But you are my boy. For a time."

Mitch's life has been uprooted. Instead of the whole family moving to a new city, Mitch and his sister are staying with their gran, while their parents are delayed working on the other side of the world. He's struggling to fit in at school, with the resident Grade Five bully picking on him. The one thing that would make his life better is a dog, if only he could persuade his parents.

Then Mitch discovers an old oak tree that seems to... growl. One night, a huge, strange dog-like creature emerges from the trunk. His name is Argos. He has been bound in the tree by "history, mystery, magic and chance", and he is here, for a time, to help Mitch find his way.

But being different can be dangerous, especially for a wild and wilful beast like Argos...

While at first Mitch looks to Argos for friendship and protection, there comes a time he must stand up for this magical creature who has changed him forever.

A heart-lifting tale of friendship, courage, and belonging by three-time CBCA Award-winning author Fiona Wood.