The Boy and the Dog Tree

Fiona Wood

$17.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Queensland Univ. Press
03 March 2026

Children's & Educational; Fantasy & magical realism (Children's&YA); Animal stories (Children's&YA); Personal & social issues: bullying, violence & abuse (Children's&YA)

Magical. Whimsical. Wild. This exceptional middle-grade novel about the special bond between a boy and his dog will set your heart free.

'So, are you my dog?' Mitch asked, in a whisper. 'No,' said Argos. 'But you are my boy. For a time.'

Mitch's life has been uprooted. Instead of the whole family moving to a new city, Mitch and his sister are staying with their gran, while their parents have been delayed working on other side of the world. He's struggling to fit in at school, with the resident Grade Five bully picking on him. The one thing that would make his life better is a dog, if only he could persuade his parents.

Then Mitch discovers an old oak tree that seems to ... growl. And one night, a huge, strange dog-like creature emerges from the trunk. His name is Argos. He has been bound in the tree by 'history, mystery, magic and chance', and he is here, for a time, to help Mitch find his way.

But being different can be dangerous, especially for a wild and wilful beast like Argos ...

While at first Mitch looks to Argos for friendship and protection, there comes a time he must stand up for this magical creature who has changed him forever.

A heart-lifting tale of friendship, courage and belonging by three-time CBCA Award-winning author Fiona Wood.

By: Fiona Wood
Imprint: Queensland Univ. Press
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 1mm, Width: 1mm,
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9780702269226
ISBN 10: 0702269220
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 03 March 2026
Recommended Age: From 7 to 10 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Fiona Wood loves writing fiction for young readers. Her books have won several awards and been shortlisted for many more. They are published internationally. Fiona lives in Naarm Melbourne.