A Dog Called Wig

Author: Ruth Dallas Illustrator: Edward Mortelmans

From inside front page: "Archie is delighted when a stray dog follows him home. At first, his stern father won't let him keep it, but he softens up as the mongrel begins to follow him everywhere, and 'Wig' is allowed to stay. Feeling left out, Archie goes off on his own and meets two boys from the borstal who are later to cause problems for Archie - and he needs Wig's help to get out of a very sticky situation."

National Library of NZ Entry

Ruth Dallas crafted A Dog Called Wig during her Robert Burns Fellowship at the University of Otago, enriching her portfolio of children’s literature with this heartfelt tale.

The story centers on Archie, a boy who finally gets the pet he’s always dreamed of—a dog named Wig—only to find their bond doesn’t unfold as he’d imagined. It’s a tender exploration of expectation, disappointment, and growth.

Illustrated with evocative black-and-white drawings by Edward Mortelmans, the book brings its characters to life with striking clarity. Archie’s father stands out: gruff and authoritative at first, he later reveals a compassionate side, offering wise guidance to help his son navigate his struggles. This archetype—a tough exterior masking a tender core—echoes across Dallas’ work, as seen in The Big Flood in the Bush.

Dallas’ writing shines with simplicity and emotional resonance, perfectly pitched for younger readers. Her prose weaves feeling into every line, making Archie’s journey both relatable and compelling. The story’s accessibility and depth make it a standout, though it does include some heavier moments: a scene where the dog is kicked and instances of corporal punishment meted out by Archie’s father. These elements may warrant consideration for sensitive readers.

I highly recommend A Dog Called Wig for children aged 8 and up—a poignant, beautifully told tale of love, resilience, and understanding.

Here are examples of pages from the book...

The black and white illustrations are by Edward Mortelmans.

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