Hachette

September 2021

ISBN: 9780734420633

RRP: $19.99

When Wandi, the tiny dingo pup, was found in a Victorian backyard in 2019, it was unlikely that anyone would have predicted the lucky canine’s rise to social media superstar status.

“Since then he is currently on about 47,000 followers on Instagram — and that’s across the world.”

The remarkable story of Wandi’s rescue has been well publicised indeed, and now critically acclaimed author, Favel Parrett, has turned her skilled hand to crafting a beautiful narrative of the dingo pup’s journey for young readers.

Beginning with his first few weeks of life with his litter mates and parents high in the Alpine snow country, to his almost fatal snatching by, likely, a wedge-tailed eagle, and ultimately, to his new home in the Australian Dingo Foundation’s sanctuary with his favourite playmate, Hermione, Wandi’s story will delight readers. More importantly it will draw their attention to the plight of Australia’s native canine and, particularly, the less common varieties.

Simple line drawings throughout add even more interest to the dingo pup’s story and, as a slim volume, it will prove a very accessible read for children from as young as Year 2. For your more able newly independent readers it will feel very much like ‘grown up’ book with its beautiful binding and cover art (which has the illusion of being hand-painted – just beautiful!).

The book concludes with some easily digested information from sanctuary supervisor (and Wandi’s very good friend), David Newman, along with ideas for how children can get involved with helping the dingo population. This is followed by a Q&A with Favel Parrett, which particularly explains her personal connection with Wandi and the sanctuary.

All in all this is just a superb little true-life narrative which readers will enjoy and about which they will no doubt become enthusiastic and be spurred into action.

Highly recommended for readers from around 8 years upwards.