Our Incredible Dogs: The stories behind the statutes

I get enthusiastic about any new book written by Wellington-based author Philippa Werry. Werry knows how to write history in a form to draw readers in. For this reviewer, it was a double-happy moment when I saw that the topic was dogs!

Our Incredible Dogs profiles the stories behind the many statues of dogs around Aotearoa and why they are memorialised. Who knew that New Zealand has more statues of dogs than any other animal? It makes sense on reading Werry’s book where readers discover the roles dogs have played in the life of New Zealand. From farm dogs to dogs used in war, this skilful author has captured their stories.

The 88-page book is well laid out with clever use of headings, numerous photographs, good use of colour, and lovely detail such as the profile of a dog by each page number. There’s a content page, a glossary, an index and even sections at the back about how to approach a real dog, how to help dogs, activity pages, website suggestions and more.

I get the impression that Werry and her team would have really enjoyed putting this book together and it shows. Highly Recommended.

Tiitle: Our Incredible Dogs: The stories behind the statutes

Author: Philippa Werry

Publisher: New Holland

ISBN: 978 1869665395

RRP: $24.99

Format: Hardback

Date of Publication: March 2020

Ages: all ages (7 to 107)

Reviewer: Vickie Humphries, Librarian, Mount Cook School, Wellington

Opening sentence: Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and colours.

You can buy this book here