A beautiful hardcover edition of the classic picture book to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this compelling drama about friendship, loyalty, risk and betrayal.
Through the charred forest, over hot ash, runs Dog with a bird clamped in his big, gentle mouth. He takes her to his cave above the river and there he tries to tend her burnt wing: but Magpie does not want his help.
'I will never again be able to fly,' she whispers.
'I know,' says Dog.
He is silent for a moment, and then he says, 'I am blind in one eye but life is still good.'
An injured magpie and a one-eyed dog live happily together in the forest, until a jealous fox arrives to teach them what it means to be alone.
This breathtaking picture book has won acclaim around the world: CBCA Picture Book of the Year; two Premiers' literary awards; honours in Germany, Brazil, Japan; a shortlisting for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in the UK, and more.
About the Author
Margaret Wild's thoughtful, award-winning children's books have been published with great success in many countries. They include Old Pig (shortlisted, CBCA Picture Book of the Year), The Dream of the Thylacine (honour book, CBCA Picture Book of the Year), and On the Day You Were Born, all illustrated by Ron Brooks, plus many more, including Chalk Boy illustrated by Mandy Ord (shortlisted, 2019 CBCA Picture Book of the Year). Margaret has been the recipient of the Nan Chauncy Award, the Children's Book Council of Australia Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lady Cutler Award for her contributions to Australian literature.
