The Dog with Seven Names

by Dianne Wolfer

A tiny dog, the runt of the litter, is born on a remote cattle station. She shouldn’t have survived, but when Elsie finds, names and loves her, the pup becomes a cherished companion. Life is perfect … until War arrives.With Japanese air raids moving closer, Elsie’s family leaves the Pilbara for the south and safety. But the small dog has to stay behind. After travelling far from home with drovers and a flying doctor, she becomes a hospital dog and experiences the impact of war on north-western Australia. She witnesses wonderful and terrible things and gives courage to many different humans.But through all her adventures and many names, the little dog remembers Elsie, who girl who loved her best of all. Will she ever find her again?A Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book, 2019

Genres: Historical, Animals, War, Childrens, Survival

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2018

About the author

Dianne lives on the south coast of Western Australia. She is author of 27 books with more titles on the way. Dianne's latest books are 'Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady - the Robin Miller story', 'Cattle Muster' (ill. Frane' Lessac), and 'The Colt from Old Regret' (ill. Erica Wagner).
Her earlier award-winning novel 'Scout and the Rescue Dogs' celebrates truckies and rescue dogs, and links to the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires. It won WA Premier's Award and was shortlisted for the Children's Book Council Awards and the WA Young Readers' Awards.
Other recent titles include: 'The Last Light Horse', a CBCA Notable Book now adapted for CineStage by Theatre 180; 'Mia' (Allen and Unwin's award-winning Through my Eyes series); and an Aussie STEM Stars title about Skye Blackburn-Lang, Australia's first farmer of edible insects.
Dianne's doctoral research into anthropomorphism and animal characters in children's literature was selected as a Board of the Graduate Research School Dean's List Winner in 2017, and led to two books, 'The Dog with Seven Names' (winner of the 2019 Speech Pathology Awards, CBCA Notable, shortlisted for the NSW Premiers Literary Awards and published in China) and 'The Shark Caller' (CBCA Notable and optioned for film). In addition to her general website, Dianne posts about animal characters at www.animalswhotalk.

'The Dog with Seven Names' is written anthropomorphically and explores Australian WW2 history from the perspective of a small dog in north-west WA. Another title with unusual animal perspectives, 'The Shark Caller' is set in Papua New Guinea. This underwater fantasy novel links to both the ancient practise of calling sharks as well as modern-day environmental concerns.
Dianne's picture book, 'Nanna's Button Tin' is published in the US by Candlewick. Other stories in the multi-adapted WW1 'Light' series are the award-winning 'Lighthouse Girl' and 'Light Horse Boy'.
Dianne's book, 'Light Horse Boy' won the WA Premier's Award as well as CBCA Honour book. Partner title, 'Lighthouse Girl' was inspiration for Royal de Luxe Theatre's spectacular Perth street performance, The Giants, won the children’s choice, West Australian Young Readers Book Awards and is a recommended reading text for the National History Curriculum. Lighthouse Girl has also being adapted for Black Swan Theatre by playwright Hellie Turner. The story was based is based on the true tale of Fay Howe, daughter of the Breaksea Island lighthouse keeper, who relayed messages for the departing ANZAC troops in 1914. Light Horse Boy follows the journey of a young soldier who waves to Fay before sailing with the 1st AIF. The book follows Jim’s journey to Egypt, Gallipoli and through iconic battles of WW1’s Desert Campaign. Dianne enjoys combining her love of history with writing fiction. Her picture book, 'Photographs in the Mud' (also a recommended History Curriculum text) was inspired by a research trip along the Kokoda Track. It was published in Japanese and is used as a reference for international workshops promoting peaceful ‘discourse analysis’. Dianne is an active member of writing groups, including the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and served for six years as their WA Advisor. Dianne loves travelling and has spent much of her life overseas.

Awards
2023 CBCA Notable Book, The Last Light Horse
Short listed, CBCA Book Awards for Light Horse Boy and also for Granny Grommet and Me, 2014
Winner, West Australian Young Readers’ Award, 2010
Short listed, NSW Premier’s History Awards, 2009
Short listed, West Australian Premier’s Awards, 2009
Short listed, West Australian Young Readers’ Award, 2007
Short listed, West Australian Young Readers’ Award, 2006
Short listed, West Australian Young Readers’ Award, 2002
Short listed, Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature, 2001
Short listed, Wilderness Society’s Environment Award, 1999
Short listed, West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awar

Reviews

[Nadia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming middle-grade novel about a tiny dog born on a remote cattle station in Western Australia's north.

I loved the layering of this book - the mix of historical content with the life story of a golden-eyed dog who brings joy and companionship to her owners. She has plenty of adventures during the Second World War.

A book sure to charm readers, old and young alike, and a must-read for dog lovers.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful Australian WW2 story written from the perspective of a dog. Beautifully written, it is an engaging story studded with fascinating historical facts.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about a terrior living in NW Australia during WWII. Many characters based on real people, living and working in WA at the time.Historical events richly told through the eyes of dog and characters - RFDS, Broome air raids, evacuations south, Darwin bombings, Corunna Downs Air Base.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dog with seven names is a story about a runt of a litter, born into world war 2 on a remote farm in Australia. a little girl called Elsie falls in love with her, but then Japanese air raids are close and the family moves but have to leave the dog behind. the little dog lost and sets a goal to find Elsie and goes on a journey to find her, along the way receiving different names from different people.
I love this book as it tells the story of a little dog persevering through difficult challenges and nearly dieing but always had a goal to get to Elsie. i highly recommend this book

[Liz Derouet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating read, loved this historical fiction. Full review will appear on my blog soon.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of Princess Wolfer uses the experiences of a dog with many owners to tell stories of north west Australia during wartime, predominantly set around the Pilbarra and Broome. Cattle rancher's daughter Elsie rescues the runt of a farm dog’s litter she Princess have adventures together until the family is forced to evacuate and Princess begins a life of being passed from one owner to the next mostly as Flynn, the flying doctor's partner.

The story provides insights into the impact Japanese planned invasion in the north during during World War II with a solid research base to add an authentic voice to the dog's story as she faces danger but bring comfort to the injured and and wounded people she encounters. Best to mid primary readers - Years 3- to 5 with clearly written prose to engage the reader.

A 2019 Speech Pathology Australia award winner.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born the runt of the litter, on a station in the Pilbara the little dog is considered too weak to survive. Elsie, the station master’s daughter, falls in love with her and after much pleading is allowed to keep the pup as a pet, naming her Princess. Elsie and Princess soon become inseparable, until the family is forced to evacuate. War is raging and Australia is under threat of attack from the Japanese. Princess doesn’t understand what is going on with the humans, but she senses their worry and fear.
When Elsie and her family leave, Princess is left behind and so begins her journey from treasured pet, to drover’s companion, to hospital helper. Princess ends up with Doc who finds the little dog is perfect for calming and comforting his patients, especially the children. As the war intensifies and more bombings occur, the hospital quickly fills. The smell of fear and pain is confusing for Princess, who wants only to return to Elsie.
A heart-warming story of a little dog who wins people’s hearts wherever she goes. Set against the backdrop of north- west Australia, telling the tale of bombings during World War II through her eyes.
Read pages 62-65 Princess meets one of her patients, sets to work and receives one of the 7 names she is known by throughout the story.

[AD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this wonderful story about a special dog and her incredibly adventurous life. This is a war story with a big difference, showing the effects on the lives of Australians at home during the war but all from the perspective of Princess the dog. I loved reading about the flying doctor she shared many of her adventures with, and think this adds another great dimension to the story.

[Lyndal Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t too sure about this one to begin with, but one third of the way through something clicked for me and from there I just loved every page. This would be a wonderful read for upper primary/early secondary students studying WW2/Australian History. And for dog lovers of all ages. So much to discuss.

[Margaret Kirchner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the adventures of a tiny dog born on a cattle station in Western Australian during World War Two. The dog is passed from person to person but he longs to be reunited with his first owner - Elsie. A beautiful book for children but sure to be loved by adults as well.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start in the first few chapters. Because the story is told through the character of the dog, it takes a while to adjust. An enjoyable read and great insight into the history of Australia during the second World War. Excellent research.

[Sharlene Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

anthropomorphism: giving humanistic traits to a god, animal or object. I love reading stories with this element and Diane has done an amazing job endearing Dog/Princess/Flynn/Gengi/Engel in this way. I could really feel the emotions and fear of the actual human characters through the eyes of Dog.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be suited to Lit Circles, for kids with love of animals and also war. 220 pages.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has made me realise how much was going on back in the bombing of Darwin.

[Michella Mcintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little book

[Katg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Jfic lovely story, historical Australia, war, outback

[Pip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute kids book that my daughter begged me to read. A great way to introduce kids to the historical fiction genre.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brisbane Book Club book

Made me smile, made me cry, learned some things.

[Rennai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3 .5 stars for me. I can see how middle primary to upper primary kids, those especially who love animals, would really enjoy this simply told story. It could even appeal to some kids in years 7 and 8 - probably those that have a strong love of dogs and who don't want, or can't handle, a more complex text.

It is the heart-warming story of a little terrier born as the runt of a litter on a Pilbara (Australia) cattle station during the time of World War One. Princess becomes the much loved and doted-on companion of Elsie but when people in the North of Australia began evacuating because of the increasing danger due to Japanese attacks, Elsie has to leave Princess in the care of a drover who promises to look after her. The rest of the book covers Princess's (soon to become Flynn) adventures as she teams up with a flying doctor and becomes a "hospital dog". She gives comfort to hurt and scared patients and the stressed, overworked hospital staff. All the time Princess/Flynn is separated from Elsie she never stops wanting/hoping to be reunited.

This book will educate the younger reader about life in northwest Australia during the time of the Japanese attacks. In fact, there were things that occurred during that time that I was unaware of!
The writing style is simplistic with the use of lots of short sentences which is the way the author constructs a (most successful) authentic internal "voice" for Princess/Flynn. As stated above, this will suit the younger, and/or more unsophisticated, reader. Just keep this in mind (and the fact that it is a dog-lovers story) when making recommendations.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess can’t believe her luck. She’s the runt of the litter but finds herself loved by young Elsie. The Second World War turns Elsie and her family’s lives upside down and they must evacuate from their northern Australian cattle station. Princess can’t go with them, but a stockman says he’d look after her. Another tragic accident and Prices has another name, Flynn, and is being cared for by Doc, the local flying doctor pilot. Flynn has a knack for making people feel safe and carves a role for herself as Doc’s assistant on flights, comforting the sick being evacuated. Even though Flick loves Doc, she mises Princess but worries she’s forgetting her and will never find her. What happened to Princess? Does she find Elsie?
I enjoyed the mix of fact and fiction in this story. The lifeline story of a lucky puppy, told by the dog, is exciting, too.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.

[Thistle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should have been a good match for me but wasn't. It wasn't bad, just never really engaged me. In it a dog was born in Australian in World War Two, and basically it was a view of the war through a dog's eyes. The dog was both way smarter than a dog should be AND had mild magical powers, but both sort of worked and it never bothered me even though the story was meant to be realistic. I learned a lot about Australia's role in WW2 and the dog character was wonderful. I just never felt that driving need to read just another page more.

[Alison Wootten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Randomly heard the name of this book mentioned on late night radio. Missed all the context, but decided to grab it from the library - not realising it was a Junior Fiction novel. So, a bit of a cheat, easy read to add in to my challenge!
An interesting take on the effects of WW2 to the people living in the north of WA, with the huge distances, isolation, lack of good communication etc - all through the eyes of the dog.

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a little terrier with a big heart Set against the backdrop of WW2 in particular the bombing of Darwin and the raids on Western Australia. Plus a great mention of pioneer flying doctor service. Perfect for primary & junior high school students.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolfer Barks #1
Entertaining yarn about dog in NW Western Australia in WW2 with Japanese bombing attacks etc.
Told from dog's perspective, a nice journey of life book - quite engaging and interesting.

[amnistra · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute >_< probably my favourite book, i loved seeing each chapter and each of princess's different owners and people she knew, my only issue with it is after finishing it feeling kind of empty haha, go read it !!

[Ava · Rating 1 out of 5]

It will not read it to me

[Matilda Money · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute little book

[Mmeg16]

Australian history, WWII, seen through eyes of a dog, Royal Flying Doctor service. Ch 4 could be good read aloud