Faithful friends: Dogs in children’s literature
People and dogs have lived together for thousands of years. As the domestic dog gradually emerged from the wild wolf a unique human-animal relationship developed. The special bond that we now share with dogs has been explored in many children’s books. On display outside the Turnbull Library reading rooms are stories about working dogs, rescuing heroes and treasured family members, showing the canine traits we all recognise: courage, obedience, willingness to please, playfulness, tenacity, loyalty and companionship. The display features titles from the Dorothy Neal White Collection and the National Children’s Collection. — Mary Skarott, Research Librarian, Children’s Literature, Alexander Turnbull Library
