Dingo's Dream by Helen Milroy

Dingo’s Dream is the sixth book but the first book in the second series of Tales from the Bush Mob. These striking and engaging stories, beautifully written and illustrated by Helen Milroy, all reinforce the concept of working collaboratively to solve a problem.

In this latest book, Dingo keeps having a recurring dream which leaves him deeply disturbed and worried that he is needed. Unable to settle he begins a search, firstly checking in with the local bush mob and then venturing further afield. He ends up on Country from his past where his memories grow:

He remembered how, at sunset, all the dingoes gathered and howled together.
They sang goodnight to the sun and welcomed the moon. He remembered how he loved hearing the dingo songs.
But some bad things happened and now dingoes were scattered all over. P15

Dingo eventually finds the place of his dream and field mice are there to meet him and tell him of a stranger being trapped in the ravine. Dingo calls the Bush Mob together to help him in rescuing the stranger. Each of the Bush Mob will play an important part to free Tassa, a Tasmanian Devil. Tassa is weak from his ordeal and is cared for by the Bush Mob. He tells them how he was attacked by a big black cat and fell down the ravine. After Tassa safely returns to his own home, Dingo realises he wants to return to his Country and maybe find his dingo mob. Will this dream come true?

The stunning illustrations on glossy pages are a visual delight with the white text being a standout feature. This skilfully written narrative is highly accessible and would be a perfect read for those Early Years children seeking an early chapter book or would be an entertaining short novel to be read aloud in class.

Teacher notes will be available soon Magabala Books.

Themes: First Nations Culture & Country, Australian Bush Animals, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Perseverance.

Kathryn Beilby