Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with almost 40% of households including one or more dogs?
Did you
also know that old photos often contain blurred dogs who wouldn’t stay still
for old-fashioned cameras?
Well now
you do!
Australia’s Dogs contains these fun facts and a lot more besides. This amazing book is a tribute to the dogs who share our lives in every way.
A rich visual history with marvellous anecdotes, it explores what dogs have brought to our work and lives, and how they’ve crept into our mind and hearts along the way!
The photos
come from the wonderful collections of Australia’s National Library and cover
all manner of canine grins including pets, working, service and wild dogs. We
see dogs in motion, smiling dogs, outback dogs, city dogs, dogs in danger, dogs
on boats, in drawing rooms and on trailers. We see sled dogs and cattle dogs
roaming door to door with returned diggers. We meet dogs on motorbikes, running
the sheep, in wedding pictures and as sporting or infantry mascots.
It seems
that we are (rightfully!) suckers for our canine companions, and through this
marvellous book we’re taken into unexpected territory where we find dogs in
bush hospitals, prisons and wartime internment camps. We learn about the role
of dingoes and indigenous life, conservation and Australia’s own dog breeds.
In short,
we see - through a glorious compendium of old and new photographs - exactly why
dogs are such favoured companions. Some of the photos are taken by
professionals and record significant moments, while others are family snaps of
beloved pets or taken by people along the way.
An extraordinary
amount of work, detail and love has obviously gone into the compilation and
presentation of this book, paying perfect homage to our favourite fur children.
It’s a delight from start to finish. And with poignant, funny and truly
magnificent images (even the fuzzy ones), this book is an absolute gem.
While not officially a children’s book, this book is absolutely perfect for every age group. Recommended for small people right through to great, great-grandparents
Title: Australia’s Dogs
Author: Katherine Kovacic
Publisher: National Library of Australia, $34.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922507457
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-fiction Picture Book
