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."
During her time at the University of Otago under the Robert Burns Fellowship, Ruth Dallas wrote several children's books including this one.
Ruth has written a wonderful story about a boy who grapples with his feelings when he gets the one pet he's always wanted, but the relationship with the dog doesn't go as he plans.
Here are examples of pages from the book...
The black and white illustrations are by Edward Mortelmans.
The story and characters are compelling. The father is authoritative and rough, but later reveals compassion and insight into Archie's predicament and wisely helps him. This is a pattern in Ruth's books - a male figure with a rough exterior, but a tender and helpful side. See The Big Flood in the Bush.
I enjoy the way Ruth Dallas writes. It is simple and yet it is full of feeling. As you can see from the text, it has been written for younger readers. I highly recommend this story from 8 years old.
There are some content considerations: a dog is kicked, and corporal punishment is used to discipline Archie by his father.