When you’re eight and you finally get a puppy for your birthday, you feel like nothing in the world can ruin your happiness. But what if owning a puppy is hard? What if your puppy prefers your mum instead of you? Is there anything more devastating than discovering that your puppy, who was supposed to be your life-long, loyal and obedient companion, doesn’t even like you? No, there is not. Except when your whole family tell you it’s your fault when your puppy is naughty.

My Dog Doesn’t Like Me perfectly captures the feeling all new pet owners have had at some point when the reality and responsibility of pet ownership set in. It’s not all rescuing Timmy from the well and having him lie at your feet by the fire. Pets are hard work, and Eric works hard to earn the love of Ugly, his dog. But will that be enough?

Dani Solomon works in the Children’s & YA section at Carlton.