Kangaroo Dog

Marlies Bugmann
Zumaya Publications (2002)
ISBN 18948699312002
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (6/06)

What child doesn’t enjoy an adventure? Especially in a far away place with unusual animals. Ben is raised on his family’s farm in a remote area of Tasmania, introducing us to animals usually only seen in zoos. Wallabies and wombats inhabit the area as do Tasmanian devils.  Almost seven, Ben eagerly wanders around his family’s farm with his cat Ziggy until he ends up in the rainforest way past the creek he is not supposed to cross.

What he finds in the dark undergrowth amazes him. What kind of creature can it be? It is like no living animal he has ever seen, but reminds him of the stuffed animal his mother gave him before she died of cancer. Can it really be a kangaroo dog?

Along the way we grow to love Ben’s Auntie Steffie, who makes every effort to ensure his happiness, including a visit to McDonald’s when on a trip to town. Even in a remote place like Tasmania, kids crave French fries! Ben lives with his dad and his grandparents on a farm that has been in the family for generations. Within this solid framework, the concept of betrayal is introduced as is unexpected love after tragedy.

The author, Marlies Bugmann, a native of Switzerland, now lives in Tasmania and shares her fascination with native animals with her readers.

Any child who loves animals and a bit of mystery will enjoy reading this book. It is a great opportunity for a geography lesson and would be fun to read prior to a zoo visit. The black and white sketches add to the appeal. But make sure you don’t read the back cover first and spoil all the surprises!

Make comment on weblog