I must admit that, despite having lived in this country for a very long time, I’ve never encountered the legend that is the dog on the tuckerbox. Yet it did not surprise me that, like many Australian legends, this one ends sadly.

This beautiful, thoughtful picture book depicts a lost time that is well worth revisiting – pioneer days when bullockies roamed the land with their dogs. It will appeal to both adults who know the story well and those children encountering it for the first time. Even better if both read it together!

Despite the sad and somewhat abrupt ending, don’t shy away from this one. It will leave an impression long after happier, lighter tales have faded.