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Different
A Different Dog
The forest is dense and dark. And the trail full of unexpected perils. The dog can't move. The boy can't talk. And you won't know why. Or where you are going. You will put this story down not wanting the journey to end. But it's from Paul Jennings so watch out for the ambush. One of the best. From one of the best.
84 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Paul Jennings
276 books360 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Paul Jennings was born in Heston near London, and at the age of 6 emigrated to Melbourne, Australia on a boat. He was on the boat for 5 weeks with his family. He attended Bentleigh West Primary School and Caulfield Grammar School.
After graduating from school, he went to Frankston Teachers College (now part of Monash University) and became a teacher. He taught students at Frankston State School, Kangaroo Flat State School, the Turana Youth Training Centre, and the Royal Children's Hospital State School in Mount Eliza. He later went on to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Science (now part of LaTrobe University) and became a speech pathologist, then worked as a Lecturer in Special Education at Burwood State College (now part of Deakin University). In 1979 he became Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (now part of Deakin University).
In 1985, Jennings' first book of short stories, Unreal! was published, during which he worked as a lecturer and wrote part-time; in 1989, he made the decision to devote his full time to writing. Many of his short stories, published between 1985 and 1991, were also adapted into the first and second series of the popular Australian television show Round the Twist.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (2000).
Paul Jennings was born in Heston near London, and at the age of 6 emigrated to Melbourne, Australia on a boat. He was on the boat for 5 weeks with his family. He attended Bentleigh West Primary School and Caulfield Grammar School.
After graduating from school, he went to Frankston Teachers College (now part of Monash University) and became a teacher. He taught students at Frankston State School, Kangaroo Flat State School, the Turana Youth Training Centre, and the Royal Children's Hospital State School in Mount Eliza. He later went on to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Science (now part of LaTrobe University) and became a speech pathologist, then worked as a Lecturer in Special Education at Burwood State College (now part of Deakin University). In 1979 he became Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (now part of Deakin University).
In 1985, Jennings' first book of short stories, Unreal! was published, during which he worked as a lecturer and wrote part-time; in 1989, he made the decision to devote his full time to writing. Many of his short stories, published between 1985 and 1991, were also adapted into the first and second series of the popular Australian television show Round the Twist.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (2000).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 12, 2017
This is not your usual Paul Jennings fare.
Is it well written? Yes
Does it have characters your care about? Yes
Is it a page-turner? Yes
Is it hilarious and tinged with magic realism? Nope
Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not.
The boy (we do not learn his name) does not speak when in the company of other people. On his own, or with animals, he finds his voice. Rendered mute by the heavy burden of guilt about the death of his first dog, Deefer, the boy is a child who is suffering. The boy's mother is out of work and she and her son live life on the poverty line. It is cold, it is bleak, but she loves her son.
Trying to win a race to climb a mountain for the $1000 prize, the boy witnesses a fatal car crash on the icy road. Inside the dead man's van is a dog. The boy rescues the dog and names him Chase. When they are alone, the boy can talk freely to Chase. When he is carrying Chase from the wreck of the car, he tells him "You're heavy, but you're not a burden." This is echoed when we read a flashback to when Deefer went missing and the boy's mother carried him home. She says exactly the same thing. The ones we love can sometimes be hard to carry, but they are no burden.
I don't want to populate this review with spoilers, but this story is full of important things. Love, sacrifice, guilt, courage, honesty, justice, persistence, resilience, and most important of all - hope.
This would be a lovely book to read aloud to a class of Year 3 or 4 students, but could also be used for older students too.
Is it well written? Yes
Does it have characters your care about? Yes
Is it a page-turner? Yes
Is it hilarious and tinged with magic realism? Nope
Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not.
The boy (we do not learn his name) does not speak when in the company of other people. On his own, or with animals, he finds his voice. Rendered mute by the heavy burden of guilt about the death of his first dog, Deefer, the boy is a child who is suffering. The boy's mother is out of work and she and her son live life on the poverty line. It is cold, it is bleak, but she loves her son.
Trying to win a race to climb a mountain for the $1000 prize, the boy witnesses a fatal car crash on the icy road. Inside the dead man's van is a dog. The boy rescues the dog and names him Chase. When they are alone, the boy can talk freely to Chase. When he is carrying Chase from the wreck of the car, he tells him "You're heavy, but you're not a burden." This is echoed when we read a flashback to when Deefer went missing and the boy's mother carried him home. She says exactly the same thing. The ones we love can sometimes be hard to carry, but they are no burden.
I don't want to populate this review with spoilers, but this story is full of important things. Love, sacrifice, guilt, courage, honesty, justice, persistence, resilience, and most important of all - hope.
This would be a lovely book to read aloud to a class of Year 3 or 4 students, but could also be used for older students too.
June 7, 2025
Totally unlike what we might expect from Paul Jennings, this is a book that is incredibly rich as a book for children in school to analyse, dealing with universal themes. Children can self moderate with how they engage with the text and can enjoy it on the surface, while those more inquisitive minds might interrogate it further and find a very compelling tale which prompts some very interesting questions.
May 4, 2017
A boy gets up one morning from the floor of his room. His bed was burnt for firewood the night before, just to keep him and his mum warm. The boy has a plan to improve their lives, but first he has to climb a hill on this frosty morning. But on the way up he sees an accident and he is the only one who is there to help.
He tries to sound the alarm but his voice doesn't work. It hasn't for some time, and he's teased about it at school. But he can do something. A dog has been thrown from the vehicle and the boy is determined to save it. But this dog is special and the way out is treacherous. Can he get them to safety and then save the dog from its past?
By the renowned author Paul Jennings, A Different Dog has been written with reluctant readers in mind, but still gives any reader a great story about bullying, poverty, courage and survival.
He tries to sound the alarm but his voice doesn't work. It hasn't for some time, and he's teased about it at school. But he can do something. A dog has been thrown from the vehicle and the boy is determined to save it. But this dog is special and the way out is treacherous. Can he get them to safety and then save the dog from its past?
By the renowned author Paul Jennings, A Different Dog has been written with reluctant readers in mind, but still gives any reader a great story about bullying, poverty, courage and survival.
July 11, 2017
My seven year old son and I took turns reading this book aloud to each other this week. A really great kids story. We lost our two dogs last ear due to old age, and now have a 10 month old white Swiss Shepherd. The whole change over experience was hard on my son, and now he has a great bond with his new dog. This book has a similar storyline, so he could relate.
Loved the illustrations at the start of each chapter.
Loved the illustrations at the start of each chapter.
June 3, 2017
This was an odd little novel, and one I didn't necessarily enjoy reading.
Was it well written? I guess so. But was I engaged? Not at all. I didn't engage with the main character at all and mostly found the story uninteresting, which I'm sad to say. Disappointing for me, but maybe not for others.
Was it well written? I guess so. But was I engaged? Not at all. I didn't engage with the main character at all and mostly found the story uninteresting, which I'm sad to say. Disappointing for me, but maybe not for others.
August 3, 2017
A beautiful book by a well-known Australian story teller. This is typical Jennings - a little dark, a little funny, a little emotional and always engaging.
September 2, 2017
Sometimes you just want a short sharp and shiny story. This is it - loved the story line, told so concisely yet you still feel entwined with the main character.
November 23, 2018
Quite an unusual story, with a 'From the author' afterward that provides some of Paul Jenning's life reflections and favourite books as a boy.
December 18, 2019
A curious little book. It is a little sad, and a little odd; not at all what I expected with a Paul Jennings book. Still, I liked it, and I liked the way it ended. Not for every reader, though.
June 11, 2017
It was hard to tell from the blurb on the back where this story fitted into the often hilarious genre of kids writing that Jennings has been on top of for so long... So I did get a bit of a shock when on reading this rather short story (only 82 pages) I discovered that a) it wasn't funny and b) it wasn't suited to the 7 year old reader I'd recently gifted it to. It's instead a well written and rather sombre offering suited more to Year 5/6 (age 10+) boys and girls.
The main character is an unnamed boy, who doesn't speak and is poor and lonely. It's not clear at first where this story is set or even whether it's contemporary. We gradually pick up that there has been trauma in this boy's life, he is bullied by his peers, and he is desperate to try and make things better for his hard-working Mum. Unfortunately his plan to do this seems doomed even in his eyes by the slightly bizarre and unrealistic idea that he could win a "fun run" being held (almost immediately) on an isolated and extremely steep mountain.
After almost witnessing a car accident on the mountain (which seemed to occur without making a sound?) the boy battles his way through bush to the wreck. The bleakness of the story, and of this boy's life is brought into sharp focus with what he then sees.
The discovery of a slightly disturbed performing dog is the catalyst for the boy regaining some words... and the fight to get home brings out a strong determination in this boy to save the dog and himself.
There is warmth at the end of the story, hope and friendship and entered this boy's life. The sensitive and understated telling to this tale where trauma has been defeated will warm hearts.
The main character is an unnamed boy, who doesn't speak and is poor and lonely. It's not clear at first where this story is set or even whether it's contemporary. We gradually pick up that there has been trauma in this boy's life, he is bullied by his peers, and he is desperate to try and make things better for his hard-working Mum. Unfortunately his plan to do this seems doomed even in his eyes by the slightly bizarre and unrealistic idea that he could win a "fun run" being held (almost immediately) on an isolated and extremely steep mountain.
After almost witnessing a car accident on the mountain (which seemed to occur without making a sound?) the boy battles his way through bush to the wreck. The bleakness of the story, and of this boy's life is brought into sharp focus with what he then sees.
The discovery of a slightly disturbed performing dog is the catalyst for the boy regaining some words... and the fight to get home brings out a strong determination in this boy to save the dog and himself.
There is warmth at the end of the story, hope and friendship and entered this boy's life. The sensitive and understated telling to this tale where trauma has been defeated will warm hearts.
February 17, 2021
Synopsis
The child narrator of A Different Dog can't speak - we assume it is from a disability or a reaction to a trauma in his past. He is teased by the other kids and is a loner. On a cold winter's day, when everyone is participating in a fun run on the mountain, our narrator finds himself alone at the scene of a car accident where the driver has died. But there is a little dog in the car... What follows is a moving story of survival and redemption (and somehow humour in the midst of all that), all told in a 96-page novella.
My thoughts
The synopsis details what happens in about the first quarter of the book, without even needing to read it. I am conscious that the story being told is aimed at children; however, I found Jennings writing style to be far too simplistic and felt that he was telling the reader a lot of information, rather than allowing the language to show it.
I enjoyed the overall story. I think that there is a lack of representation of disabled characters in children’s fiction and Jennings uses his knowledge and experience to present a character that you are rooting for.
As with a variety of children’s fiction, I felt that there was a lesson to be learned in the story. It’s a story I’ll keep for my baby to read as he gets older.
The child narrator of A Different Dog can't speak - we assume it is from a disability or a reaction to a trauma in his past. He is teased by the other kids and is a loner. On a cold winter's day, when everyone is participating in a fun run on the mountain, our narrator finds himself alone at the scene of a car accident where the driver has died. But there is a little dog in the car... What follows is a moving story of survival and redemption (and somehow humour in the midst of all that), all told in a 96-page novella.
My thoughts
The synopsis details what happens in about the first quarter of the book, without even needing to read it. I am conscious that the story being told is aimed at children; however, I found Jennings writing style to be far too simplistic and felt that he was telling the reader a lot of information, rather than allowing the language to show it.
I enjoyed the overall story. I think that there is a lack of representation of disabled characters in children’s fiction and Jennings uses his knowledge and experience to present a character that you are rooting for.
As with a variety of children’s fiction, I felt that there was a lesson to be learned in the story. It’s a story I’ll keep for my baby to read as he gets older.
November 28, 2019
I was raised on Paul Jennings's short story collections, which I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted with this summer, two and a half decades on! But I thought I'd check out his latest works too, namely his three 'A Different...' books. I didn't enjoy this story. I actually found it really unsettling for a reason I can't quite identify. I felt there was a mismatch between the landscape evoked by the writing and the illustrations (Australian bush vs. English countryside) and the whole story seemed overly simplistic. I found it hard to believe that the boy could be so traumatised by that he would never speak again. The ending had the characteristic twist I always thrilled to in a Jennings's story; this one in particular reminded me of a story called 'No is Yes' in the Quirky Tails collection. That was the first story that truly sucker-punched me with its ending, but in a good way. Let's see how the other two books are before I return to Jennings in his prime.
June 26, 2023
I am finally giving Paul Jennings' "Different" collection a read, wanting to promote his books to students in my Library as they have sat there unloved for quite some time.
I am only familiar with his "Un" short stories, but know that Jennings is famous for funny, gross-out stories with unexpected endings. This story is neither funny, nor gross and, while the blurb trumpets the ending as an "ambush" in the Jennings tradition, I didn't think it was that much of a surprise.
What this story does give us is a quiet, and at times disturbing, character study involving love, sacrifice, desperation, greed and perseverance. It manages to squeeze quite a lot into its short length.
I enjoyed it, but am not sure what audience it will appeal to. I read 2 chapters to my Year 5-6 students, and we will see what the few who borrowed the title thought. Now, on to A Different Boy
I am only familiar with his "Un" short stories, but know that Jennings is famous for funny, gross-out stories with unexpected endings. This story is neither funny, nor gross and, while the blurb trumpets the ending as an "ambush" in the Jennings tradition, I didn't think it was that much of a surprise.
What this story does give us is a quiet, and at times disturbing, character study involving love, sacrifice, desperation, greed and perseverance. It manages to squeeze quite a lot into its short length.
I enjoyed it, but am not sure what audience it will appeal to. I read 2 chapters to my Year 5-6 students, and we will see what the few who borrowed the title thought. Now, on to A Different Boy
December 25, 2024
Eine kurze sehr ergreifende Geschichte über einen Jungen, der schlimmes erlebt hat und in Armut lebet. Dieses schlimme Erlebnis führt dazu, dass er aufhört mit Menschen zu sprechen.
An einem Tag findet ein Rennen statt mit einem Preisgeld, dass er für seine Mama gewinnen möchte. Auf dem Weg dorthin sieht er, wie ein Unfall passiert und will helfen. Er rettet den Hund. Mit ihm beginnt der beschwerliche Weg zurück. Diese Reise hilft dem Jungen zurück zu sich selbst zu finden. Er findet einen Weg sich selbst, seiner Mama und dem Hund zu helfen.
Das Buch war einfach zu lesen und ist auch für Kinder (ab 8) geeignet. Manche Dinge werden erklärt, andere nicht. Die einzige Frage, die für mich offen bleibt ist: Wer hat das Rennen gewonnen? Letztendlich ist es allerdings nicht von Bedeutung.
An einem Tag findet ein Rennen statt mit einem Preisgeld, dass er für seine Mama gewinnen möchte. Auf dem Weg dorthin sieht er, wie ein Unfall passiert und will helfen. Er rettet den Hund. Mit ihm beginnt der beschwerliche Weg zurück. Diese Reise hilft dem Jungen zurück zu sich selbst zu finden. Er findet einen Weg sich selbst, seiner Mama und dem Hund zu helfen.
Das Buch war einfach zu lesen und ist auch für Kinder (ab 8) geeignet. Manche Dinge werden erklärt, andere nicht. Die einzige Frage, die für mich offen bleibt ist: Wer hat das Rennen gewonnen? Letztendlich ist es allerdings nicht von Bedeutung.
February 11, 2018
Lovely, heart-warming story about a boy who doesn't speak and how his plans to make things better for his struggling single mother go wrong. The dog and the way the boy relates to the dog is the core of the story, especially since the boy cannot speak to people and therefore finds human relationships tricky to maintain. Overall, beautifully done and an easy book to tackle for less confident readers - short chapters, accessible font, clear spacing and great line illustrations all help with this. Strongly recommend this for older kids, teens and above.
August 1, 2017
Paul Jennings is a master of his craft. This small novel for upper primary readers is the perfect example. Effortlessly, he draws the reader into this story of a boy, and a dog, and a journey both physical and emotional. The illustrations by Geoff Kelly compliment the mood of this story perfectly. This book is perfect in every way.
I proofread my review and realized I used the word "perfect" three times - but it is the 'perfect' word to use! Three cheers for Paul Jennings.
I proofread my review and realized I used the word "perfect" three times - but it is the 'perfect' word to use! Three cheers for Paul Jennings.
March 10, 2018
It’s a little difficult rating a book that’s written for children, rather than adults. Got it for my 9 year old son who is on the spectrum and reported he enjoyed it, so I wanted to see how it is written. It is a touching story told in simple words, a quick read, certainly something different. Didn’t find it too gripping but it’s worth the read. The ending made me smile, animals are amazing therapy.
March 20, 2017
A truly beautiful book about survival, courage and overcoming fear. Young readers will love this. It's engaging, exciting and meaningful. The illustrations by Geoff Kelly are brilliant - almost haunting. The ending is very satisfying (and funny!). But what else would you expect from Paul Jennings? Ideal for ages 9+
May 10, 2017
I purchased this book for our school library and got to read it first! I have previously read Paul Jennings more 'funnier' books but this one was really moving. Although only a short read (82 pages) it covers a lot of issues like poverty, bullying and being different. I think this book will appeal to boys and girls and I really liked the ending.
May 13, 2017
This was very different for Mr Jennings but I like it.
It is a tale of a boy, two dogs and silence. Losing his voice from one tragedy, it takes another to bring it back.
We find a book about loss, about self, about loneliness, respect and hope.
A Different Dog is a great book for use in the classroom as it has so many themes it should generate a great discussion.
It is a tale of a boy, two dogs and silence. Losing his voice from one tragedy, it takes another to bring it back.
We find a book about loss, about self, about loneliness, respect and hope.
A Different Dog is a great book for use in the classroom as it has so many themes it should generate a great discussion.
December 24, 2017
At first, this book gave me a shock because it is so different to other books by Paul Jennings, whose books I found hilarious as a child. But, once I realised it was a departure from his usual style of writing, I loved this mysterious adventure story and it kept me questioning the whole way. Very keen to get the students’ thoughts on this book.
June 30, 2019
This short story is well-written, but was strangely unsatisfying, leaving me wanting more. The almost Dickensian (or at least, Roald Dahl-ian) beginning had a lot of promise, but it was wrapped up in a very ordinary way. It's hard to end a book sometimes and I think the ending to this came too soon.
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October 30, 2022I haven't been interested in reading Paul Jennings' books before. Now that I have sampled his writing I can appreciate his success.
December 18, 2018
Quite a different story from Jennings here after the ones I have read so far, this one far more intense and dramatic in comparison - again a reasonably well written and entertaining yarn from this geezer.
May 19, 2019
In typical Paul Jennings fashion, this book is full of the unexpected. It's not a book I'd give to younger readers, despite it's short length. It requires a bit of maturity to appreciate its nuances.
November 19, 2019
Quite an exciting and interesting read about a bullied, traumatized boy and a dog.
I was a bit bemused by the "burnt bed" incident - you'd think that a family that poor would mend a broken bed rather than burn it!
I was a bit bemused by the "burnt bed" incident - you'd think that a family that poor would mend a broken bed rather than burn it!
March 20, 2020
A cute short story about a boy and the dog he rescues from a car accident, deep in a forest. Together they find their way back to the main road. An invisible bond has been formed between the two. Satisfying read.
May 31, 2017
2.5 stars
July 3, 2017
A boy and a dog, this hits the spot. VERY clever.
July 8, 2017
A beautiful story about a boy and a dog
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews