A magical middle grade novel about finding your courage written by Fiona Wood, with cover and internal illustrations by Judy Watson

Written by Fiona Wood and published by University of Queensland Press
ISBN 9780702269226
Published March 2026
Available now in your local bookshop.
(The link takes you to a site where you can locate your local bookshop)

‘So, are you my dog?’ Mitch whispered, hardly daring to ask. 
‘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 are stuck on the other side of the world. As he struggles to fit in at school, with the Grade Five bully picking on him, Mitch knows 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 strange, majestic 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 to help Mitch find his way.

While at first Mitch looks to Argos for friendship and protection, there comes a time he must stand up for this wild and magical beast. 

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

Reviews

‘Mitch’s life is being uprooted. Instead of moving to Melbourne as a family, his parents are delayed by work overseas, meaning Mitch and his little sister have to go ahead and stay with their gran. A new city means a new school. Within minutes of his first day, Mitch is the target of the resident Grade 5 bully, Seb. In an attempt to fit in and keep Seb off his back, Mitch announces he’s getting a dog. He never imagined his lie would become true, but it does in the form of Argos, an ancient magical dog who emerges from an old oak tree. Argos has been summoned to help guide Mitch. But not everyone sees Argos like Mitch does – and they’ll do anything to remove the ‘wild and dangerous’ dog. This bewitching and humorous story is perfect for children aged 9+ who feel deeply, struggle with change, or who just love their pets. 

I absolutely adored this book! Mitch and his friends are lovable and relatable and prove the importance of staying true to yourself and finding your voice when it means the most. Fiona Wood has fully captured the magic of friendship between a dog and his boy. 

This bewitching and humorous story is perfect for children aged 9+ who feel deeply, struggle with change, or who just love their pets. It’s sure to be a new favourite.’ READINGS, REVIEW BY LUCIE DESS

About illustrating this Book

At a time when I was not taking on many projects by other authors, I could not pass this one up! How could I possibly resist a story about a mysterious ancient hound who emerges by moonlight from an old oak tree. I said yes, almost immediately, and read the manuscript later. It didn’t disappoint.

So then it was off to draw large, hairy dogs and twisted oaks, some sweet boys and last of all, everyday dogs as well.

I especially enjoyed applying loose tone with a stipple brush for this project – painting foliage with many layers of colour, and suggesting the twinkle of moonlight between the leaves. Embedding the mysterious dog shape into the trunk, so that it became almost invisible was also a highlight.