The Way of Dog

by Zana Fraillon

A fiercely original verse novel from the ABIA and CBCA award-winning author of The Bone Sparrow.

Scruffity is born into the harsh, grey world of a puppy farm. Taken from his mamma and locked in a concrete cage, what he yearns for most is Family. To belong is The Way of Dog. But no one wants him.

Just as his chances of adoption grow dangerously thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted and lonely as
he is.

Outside, Scruffity learns all about The Way of Dog – it is to run, to dig, to howl and, biggest of all, to love. But when tragedy strikes, Scruffity is suddenly all alone.

How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with?

Genres: Poetry, Middle Grade, Childrens, Animals, Dogs, Young Adult, Relationships

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2022

About the author

Zana Fraillon is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in over 15 countries and is in development for both stage and screen. She has also had pieces published in The Big Issue, The Guardian, Island Magazine, Dark Mountain, Abridged and Sans.Press.

Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.

When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.

Reviews

[Janina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love dogs so much. No surprise it made me cry. Loved the art work, too.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

A puppy is born and enjoys being with his mamma and brothers and sisters. But then Mamma is gone. There is no schnuffle (smell) of her anywhere on the air. His brothers and sisters cry as loud as he does for their mother but they are alone, and cold, in a cage with a concrete floor.

Some of his brothers and sisters aren’t strong or warm enough to make it, and a fat rat tells the puppy what happens next. The shoe-leg comes back, angry at each pup who doesn’t survive, but it’s not long before they are big enough for homes.

This puppy can show off for the shoe-legs. He yips and spins showing them he is the one they should take home, but before long he is the only one left, sitting on his concrete floor alone.

The angry shoe-leg (GrowlManJim) has a Manpup who feeds him. Who notices him. Who is kind to him. This Manpup wants to keep him, giving him his name – Scruffity. Scruffity has finally found the true way of dog. It’s not only playing in fresh grass, rolling in smelly things, spinning, spinning, spinning and leaping for the Skysingers. The way of dog is being, playing, loving and licking his Manpup!

GrowlManJim doesn’t like Scruffity and his Manpup together and has a plan to separate them. But Scruffity is happy Manpup has a plan too. They are suddenly free – together. Until Manpup is taken away in a loud, siren, FlashingMetalBeast. Now Manpup is gone.

Scruffity begins his search for his boy, meeting and helping others along the way, as they also help him. A homeless person, a fox and angry city dogs are part of his adventure, then two little girls who he must leap into protecting when another shoeleg like GrowlManJim arrives. Manpup always talked of following the river to a beach where a loved one lives, so the river is Scruffity’s guide. But there is more in store for this little, raggedy, big-hearted dog.

His journey has proven to other humans that he is very smart. Just when he thought he could never love another, Scruffity meets Charlie. It’s Charlie who helps Scruffity finally find his true home.


Wow! What an absolutely gorgeous, heartbreaking, beautiful, wonderful story. Told in verse in the viewpoint of pup Scruffity, the reader sees the world through a dog’s eyes. There is the wonder of the Skysingers (birds), the fear of the shoelegs (people), the love for his Manpup (boy) and the confusion of the FlashingMetalBeast.

Luckily there are other kind shoelegs like Scruffity’s Manpup, so he can finally find the one he will truly love forever. The verse was so lyrical to read, with rhyme, alliteration and poetry effortlessly flowing within each stanza, capturing the true heart of this young dog.

Something special for all animal lovers.

[Annaleise Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this touching story about a young dog who escapes from a puppy farm and encounters many ups and downs on his quest to find true belonging. With occasional black and white illustrations and an energetic, dog-centric verse novel format (words like schnuffles and manpup and yip-yap-yip feature heavily), Scruffity's story is both heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking. It'll probably make you want to hug the next scruffy, downtrodden dog you encounter! Perfect for young (and not-so-young) animal lovers.

[Cecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh well wasn’t that a treat! Not at all what I was expecting and so much the better for it! To be honest I think I was expecting a cute little story but The Way of the Dog is packed full of texture and soul and depth. The verse novel format lends itself so well to Scruffity’s story and gives a sense of flow and rhythm to the dog’s journey. I gasped and groaned and held back tears but also smiled large and laughed out loud at Scruffity’s antics and misadventures.
This is middle grade verse fiction at its finest but I would warn that some kids at the younger end of the recommended middle grade age category may need some guidance and scaffolding to fully comprehend and cope with some of the issues raised.

Publisher’s synopsis: “Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more than a concrete floor.

Scruffity is born into the harsh, grey world of a puppy farm. Taken from his mamma and locked in a concrete cage, what he yearns for most is Family. To belong is The Way of Dog. But no one wants him.

Just as his chances of adoption grow dangerously thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted and lonely as
he is.

Outside, Scruffity learns all about The Way of Dog – it is to run, to dig, to howl and, biggest of all, to love. But when tragedy strikes, Scruffity is suddenly all alone.

How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with?”

Bravo! Zana, you’ve done it again.

[Teacher Librarian Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shortlisted for the 2023 CBCA younger readers award, ‘The Way of Dog’ brings alive the theme to grow and inspire readers. I went on the roller coaster of emotions and was invested in the ending, dreading what it might be. The point of view of the dog allows students to consider everyday things very differently and the events that shape them as well. It is a treasure trove for teachers and a great read that will have students asking for more.

[timtam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is everything 10 times sadder if it happened to a dog/any animal?

This book genuinely was beautiful and showed the journey of Scruffity soo well. I really liked it and loved the happy ending cause he deserves it <3

[Lish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly emotional, I wasn’t expecting to be nearly crying on each page both from sadness then from happiness, this is a wonderfully powerful book and a new favourite of mine

[Heather Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness - I loved this so much! Many verse novels I've read I've wondered why (apart from the sparseness of the form) they weren't in novel format. But here Zana pulls out all the stops, playing with language using repetition, rhyme and alliteration so that each poem rings clear in the reader's mind. And the story of dog and his manpup - oh my heart! Such a beautiful read for kids and adults alike.

[★ lara ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was beautiful, it had so many important messages and they were explained in such a beautiful way. i would have loved to read this book when i was younger, to learn that you may feel helpless or may feel heartache but it will be okay. this book was beautiful with so many beautiful and important messages for kids to learn.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable.

I wasn't expecting a verse novel but it was a very happy surprise. Zana created such a believe puppy voice through poetry; I wanted to throw a ball for Scruffity the entire time; he is the best doggo.


10/10 recommend.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really beautiful tale of a dog from puppy farm, care, loss and re establishment. One for animal lovers told in verse.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the form and style of this book it really brought Scruffity to life.

[Léna · Rating 4 out of 5]

C'était beau, qu'est ce que c'était beau ! La mise en page joue avec le rythme des mots et nous embarque dans un tourbillon d'émotions !

[Kayla &#x1f3c0; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing
Super
Fantastic

[Lyndallanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book. Verse novel. I cried at so many points in this story!

[Pam Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verse novel (skip the prologue), tender, wise and a tad heartbreaking, especially if you are a dog person. Told for the dogs point of view. Illustrations add to the story too.

I wonder how it would read aloud….

[Zac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful verse novel told from the point of view of a scruffy dog and the connections it makes with the humans it means along the way.

[abi ౨ৎ જ⁀➴ catching up!! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is awesome!! I haven’t cried this much in a book since I read war horse when I was seven.
I couldn’t recommend this book more highly!!

[Kira :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Way of Dog" by Zana Fraillon is a breathtaking verse novel that weaves a tapestry of emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. This poignant tale transcends the boundaries of ordinary storytelling, inviting us into a world where the profound perspective of an animal is experienced through the active empathy of the reader. Honestly, this book healed me in the same breath as it broke my heart.

Fraillon's poetic mastery breathes life into every page, immersing readers in a visceral experience that resonates with both beauty and heartache. The narrative follows the extraordinary journey of a dog named Scruffity, whose unwavering loyalty and love become a mirror reflecting the best and worst of humanity. Through the lens of Scruffity's perspective, we witness the complexities of life, love, and the unbreakable connection that transcends language.

The characters are crafted with a rare authenticity. Fraillon delves deep into the emotional landscape, exploring themes of compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of companionship. As readers, we become intimately acquainted with the characters, their joys, sorrows, and the fragile threads that bind them together.

The thematic richness of "The Way of Dog" extends beyond the surface, prompting readers to reflect on the profound nature of empathy and the responsibilities that come with the privilege of caring for another being. Fraillon's narrative is a poignant reminder that, in the tapestry of existence, the threads of humanity and the animal kingdom are intricately intertwined.

This verse novel is a testament to Fraillon's mastery of language and storytelling. Each word is carefully chosen, creating a rhythmic dance that echoes the beating heart of the narrative. The emotional resonance is palpable, and as readers, we are not mere observers; we are participants in a symphony of emotions that leaves us breathless.

In "The Way of Dog," Zana Fraillon has not only penned a novel but crafted an emotional odyssey that lingers in the soul. It is a celebration of the human-animal bond, a testament to the power of love, and a lyrical exploration of the threads that connect us all. This is a literary masterpiece that will leave readers both shattered and uplifted, a testament to the enduring impact of a story well told.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most amazing, heartfelt and totally engrossing story I have read for a long time. Scruffity, recounts his story from enforced weaning when taken away from his mother, to live a life in a cage, and the experience loneliness, love, loss, near death, and survival on a journey to his destiny. It tugs at the heart strings without ever being overly melodramatic, as Scruffity invites you into his very being to see the world from a dog's point of view. Two-legs come in all shapes and sizes, some are cruel, many are irrelevant and just a few know how to treat a dog properly and respect and follow "the way of the dog' which ebbs and flows and adjusts to different circumstances.

Fraillon has done an expert job in 'speaking dog' as she presents Scruffity's ideas in a free flowing and open verse, that at times swoops or glowers across the page to reflect the way the dog views and interprets humans and the world around him, through a succession of scents, feelings and observations. The language is descriptive and maintains the dog's first person point of view throughout, with occasional 'spoken' interjections, written in italics, by human and animal encounters - the Fox is so very foxy as he helps but also uses Scruffity to his own advantage. His perceptions of two-legs is mixed and heavily influenced by his early experiences under the cruel hand of his owner, GrowlmanJim, and the loving relationship with the young boy, who becomes MyManpup when he befriends and then escapes with him to find a better life.

The occasional charcoal illustrations by Sean Buckingham perfectly capture Scruffity - his scruffiness, his place in the world, the warm and the tragic moments. They add enormously to the reading experiences to illustrate particularly poignant events and capture the heart of the reader.

I could not fault this book - it has joy, sorrow, adventure and tragedy, danger and hardship woven to together by love and all perfectly packaged to reach a fitting, and warm conclusion. Although younger readers could navigate the text I feel that 10+ would appreciate get more from this amazing story and also cope with some of the crueler and sadder aspects.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book told in the first person by Scruffity, a brave dog treated appallingly by some humans and tenderly by others. Scruffity endears himself to a young boy who rescues him from ‘death row’ at a puppy farm, and escapes with him. Tragedy strikes when the boy is hit by a vehicle, taken to hospital by ambulance and the dog has to fend for himself. A series of plot twists unfolds, including a poignant stint in jail where Scruffity is a trainee assistance dog, and eventually boy and dog are reunited. (At this point I was crying out of sheer relief and joy that they were together once more, and Scruffity was no longer ‘lost’.) The book really affected me emotionally, in a heart-wrenching sort of way.

As the dog tells his own story, as a being with feelings, emotions, goals, fears and needs (just like we humans), it was interesting to perceive how dogs must view our human world. (Some things can be scary, and this reminded me of how my late poodle was always terrified of shopping trolleys because, as a pup, one crashed over close to her.) Humans are referred to as ‘two-legs’ and loud, fast vehicles are terrifying. The dog is able to tell the difference between kind and malevolent people, instinctively, and tries to ‘sense’ human communication cues, not always successfully.

Author, Zana Fraillon has written the book in free verse, as a series of chapter poems. Once one is accustomed to the format, the book no longer seems that ‘different’ to normal novels as the plot is clearly defined. I found myself reading it aloud in my head, as by doing this, I enjoyed the verse format even more. Complementing the poems are exquisite line-drawings.

It is brave to take on writing a book from a dog’s perspective, and braver still to do so in verse, but Fraillon pulls it off wonderfully. I hope this book gets all the accolades it deserves, and I recommend it for dog-lovers of all ages.

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
I actually bought this myself - full price from an indie bookshop! Why? I had seen it several times on social media and was intrigued by the cover, when I took it off the shelf to look at - it's poetry!

Scruffity is born in what I could best describe as a "puppy farm", but there is one redeeming feature - a boy, the stepson of the owner - who when Scruffity is still a pup but no longer cute is told to do the unthinkable. Instead the boy - ManPup - runs away with Scruffity. He intends for them to run to his Aunts house by the coast, but it's a long way and they need money for travel and food. Scruffity is good at tricks and soon they have the money for a train but Scruffity is terrified, too terrified to get on, so again they walk. But then something awful happens to ManPup.

Scruffity tries to find him meeting a lady, for whom he gets help, and some girls along the way. But the Dog Catcher gets him, and he is sent to the pound. However, the staff at the pound recognise him from teh video of him helping the lady.

From here he is given a place on a scheme for prisoners to train assistance dogs. Can the prisoner, CharlieMan and Scruffity pass the test? Is he good enough? He likes playing ball not doing what Charlie asks ands the other dogs start to leave the program for new homes. Scruffity is the last dog.

There is a lovely twist in the story at the end.

Such a good read, it's everything needed to make a story wonderful but different at the same time. Loved it.
TA, ESCP.

[Helen Farch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, be prepared to have all your emotions laid bare by this beautiful verse novel.

Scruffity has been born in a world of cages and concrete. A puppy farm where he and his siblings are taken from their mother and if they are lucky, survive long enough to be taken home by a family. But before they were taken from her, their mother told them about the Way of Dog - to belong, and that they need to "Be strong. Be fierce, Life is more -"

But no one chooses Scruffity and now he is all alone In his cage.

Just as desperate to escape as Scruffity, a young boy decides that he and Scruffity need to escape and so Scruffity finally gets to experience the wider world and learn the Way of Dog - just like his mother told him.

But the outside world can be harsh and dangerous and when the boy Is struck down in an accident, Scruffity must make his own way and try to survive.

This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful and basically amazing.

The Way of Dog will be available to borrow from the school library soon.

Thanks to UQP Books for the review copy of this book.

[Rachael (reading.adventures.with.rach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What a hauntingly beautiful book. This one will stay with me for a long time.

This verse novel wasn’t an easy read. As a massive animal lover it was hard to feel the pain our little furry, four-legged protagonist experiences. I did have to put this one down at times because I just felt too much. But wow, what a book to be able to evoke those kinds of feelings! Especially given that the book is written from Scruffity’s perspective as he navigates his harsh environment. This book is written so beautifully and it’s lyrical pose is filled with pure raw emotion.

Scruff plays hard. 🎾
Scruff explores hard. 🌳
Scruff loves hard. 💙
The love he has for his ‘MyManpup’ is beautiful and contained all the light and joy that only a puppy can bring. 🥰✨

A couple of TW’s in this one.

The beautiful illustrations by Sean Buckingham are stunning. They really add to the soul of the book.

Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Special and unique.
This one truly pulls at the heartstrings ✨

[K Macdougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book.
‘The way of the dog’ is about a puppy called Scruffity, who was the last puppy left from a large litter, in a puppy farm. He feels lonely, unwanted and unloved. The owner of the puppy farm, GrowlMan, is a bully. His young stepson, Manpup, named the puppy, Scruffity. All Scruffity wanted was to belong to a family. Scruffity and his Manpup bonded over their longing to be part of a family. They ran away from the puppy farm to Manpup’s Aunty Chris at her seaside home. On their way, Scruffity loses his Manpup to FlashingMetalbeast who took him away. Scruffity is sad but courageous and starts looking for his Manpup. The story is told by Scruffity, including his adventures in searching and finally finding his Manpup. It is a moving, sad, also a hopeful story with a happy ending written in lyrical, engaging, and conversational style. A good book to recommend to reluctant younger readers in middle school. Once you start reading, it is hard to put down the book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! Just loved "The Way of Dog" The verse novel form is so powerful. Zana Fraillon has certainly mastered this form and the book is so beautifully designed and illustrated too. The verse exploits line breaks, typography and a variety of poetic forms to express the thoughts and emotions of Scruffity so economically and yet it is breathtakingly descriptive. I just raced through it and couldn't put it down. Now to return, re-read and savour it.

In the face of devastating twists and turns, huge hearted Scruffity repeatedly finds "her strong, her fierce", learning to to trust the "manpups" who "get dogs" too and showed her love and loyalty along the way. Finally, too, she even overcomes her fears of "snaking metal munchers" and finds herself with "a job to do" as companion and carer to the boy who first set her free.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I resisted for a long time - written as a verse novel, in first person.

Born on a puppy farm and taken from his mother, the protagonist learns some tough lessons early.

I cringed when the bin was mentioned (recommended reading ages 8-12 years old), and so begins the emotional roller coaster of this novel.

As a kid I saw a few re-runs of a show called Benji , a dog who is a stray would trot into town at the start of each episode, encounter a troubled soul and turn their life around.

Big Benji vibes here.

Unlike Benji, this book is told in the first dog/person, making it highly emotive. THERE WILL BE TEARS!

A heart-wringing read that all those big feels readers will devour.

My only concern is for children with trauma in their lives. This book brushes over domestic violence, homelessness and road accidents.

[Torin’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon is a beautiful, emotional verse novel. Written from the viewpoint of the dog, the poetry is lyrical and the story is heart-rending. Through many different experiences, Dog learns the lesson that the MammaDogs were trying to teach: “Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more –”

If you haven’t read a verse novel before, I highly recommend it. There is no excess of words in a verse novel so what you read is impactful and to the point. The word placement on the page can be unique too, creating patterns and pictures. Verse novels are also great for reluctant readers as there is more white space on the page than a traditional, prose novel so they are not as intimidating. Coupled with the poignant illustrations by Sean Buckingham, this book makes you feel…so much! I recommend for ages 11+

[Stef (Noveltea Corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way of the Dog is a free form verse novel (for middle grade and up) told from the perspective of a scruffy dog born on a puppy farm. When a young boy frees him, the two escape only to be separated and the dog makes his way through the world - meeting people, visiting new places, connecting and reconnecting with the world along the way. Given Zana Fraillon's previous works I knew this would be deep and hard-hitting - and it absolutely was - but it was also heartfelt and hopeful.

CW/TW: Animal cruelty, animal deaths, a child involved in a hit and run accident, animals in the pound, physical abuse

[Nick Swarbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunner. Not the easiest of reads, with the main character, Scruffity, separated from his mother in the horrendous puppy farm (and watching his brothers and sisters die and be put in the Dog Bin) losing the boy, his Manpup, and finding his way in the world with only his instinctive moral code, "The Way of Dog" to guide him. A fox, a rat, a violent gang of feral dogs and assorted humans teach him how to survive - will these humans be his family? Will this man?
Heart-rending stuff - free-verse poetry which allows for dog-centre wordplay - with brilliantly expressive monochrome illustrations.