Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

June 2024

ISBN13:9781529502909

Australia RRP:$17.99

New Zealand RRP:$19.99

Dog stories are ever popular. We have seen this time and again over the years and this newest one from Ross Montgomery will both move and inspire readers as it narrates the unbreakable bond between young master and loyal doggo.

In an imagined dystopian world, the oppressed people are rising in rebellion. Young Tom is just 12, a simple farm boy with a much-loved dog friend. He finds comfort and draws inspiration from his art, being a skilled sketcher.

But as the king imposes even harsher taxes and punishments on the ordinary people, Tom is fired up by the rallying cry of the rebels. He leaves his dear companion Rebel behind, in relative safety of the farm, and, pretending he is 16, joins the rebel force. He’s not a fighter as such, but wages his campaign with his pencil, creating posters and propaganda to rouse the people.

Rebel knows he’s a good dog. Tom has told him over and over that he is. And he knows that Tom is his boy, just as he is Tom’s dog. So this little dog cannot conceive of Tom going away and leaving him behind. When he realises that Tom has joined the rebellion, he knows there is only one course open to him. He must follow Tom and keep him safe.

This is a narrative that explores loyalty, courage, sacrifice, friendship and love. Rebel is helped in his quest by unexpected new acquaintances, including a rather rambunctious pig and a cynical long-time stray, who rejects the idea that humans can not only be kind but can be trusted.

Ross Montgomery brings these characters and this world to life with such vivid imagery, that readers will be completely engrossed. I know I was. The exploration of the themes of loyalty, friendship and freedom is teased out throughout the adventure with all its thrilling moments – some of them, heart-stopping. There are some tough (and violent) moments in this narrative, which might be confronting for some younger readers but I would still place it firmly in the 10 years up bracket.

Rebel is such a determined [ dare I say, dogged?], fiercely loyal character that readers will fall in love with this little dog and his determination to keep his friend (not master, as he points out regularly to the stray, Jaxon) safe at all costs. Highly recommended for middle primary to lower secondary readers.

I think it would make an amazing serial read for the new year, with lots of scope to discuss the themes it embodies, and their relevance in our own world and society. I give it a 5 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶 rating without any hesitation.