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Wandi
A young cub is snatched from his family and home by a giant eagle, then dropped, injured and alone, in a suburban garden. This is where he meets his first Human, and begins his long journey to becoming the most famous dingo in the world. He will never see his mountain home again, or his family. But it is his destiny to save alpine dingoes from extinction, and he dreams of a time when all cubs like him can live in the wild in safety, instead of facing poison and bullets and hatred.
A children's literary classic in-the-making from one of Australia's most-loved authors.
A children's literary classic in-the-making from one of Australia's most-loved authors.
140 pages, Hardcover
Published September 28, 2021
12 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 28, 2021
A young Alpine dingo cub was frolicking with his family high up in the mountains when he wandered off, searching for grubs as his mother had taught him. Suddenly, to his shock, he felt himself picked up from the ground and taken high into the air. The pain in his back was severe and he howled for his mother and father – would he ever see them again?
When the cub felt himself falling, and then landing on the ground, he didn’t know where he was. But before he knew it a Human picked him up. After a vet check and the Human being told the cub was a dingo, he was taken to a Sanctuary where he made his home. At first he was lonely and scared, but slowly he made friends…
Aussie author Favel Parrett has written a beautiful story about Wandi, a pure alpine dingo from the Victorian highlands who was lost and found his way to the sanctuary in Victoria where the author volunteers twice a week. He has his own Instagram page with over 52,000 followers. Dingoes are important to the ecosystems of Australia and are highly intelligent animals. Christened Wandiligong, shortened to Wandi, he’s a poster boy for these important animals. Ms Parrett’s children’s book – Wandi – is a special book with a divine cover, a lovely read, for all ages. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
When the cub felt himself falling, and then landing on the ground, he didn’t know where he was. But before he knew it a Human picked him up. After a vet check and the Human being told the cub was a dingo, he was taken to a Sanctuary where he made his home. At first he was lonely and scared, but slowly he made friends…
Aussie author Favel Parrett has written a beautiful story about Wandi, a pure alpine dingo from the Victorian highlands who was lost and found his way to the sanctuary in Victoria where the author volunteers twice a week. He has his own Instagram page with over 52,000 followers. Dingoes are important to the ecosystems of Australia and are highly intelligent animals. Christened Wandiligong, shortened to Wandi, he’s a poster boy for these important animals. Ms Parrett’s children’s book – Wandi – is a special book with a divine cover, a lovely read, for all ages. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
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September 25, 2021An evocative and emotional telling of Wandi's journey from wild dingo-pup to "most famous dingo in the world".
This is a great way to get our younger generations curious about dingoes, and dispel the various slurs and rumours against them being wild dogs and sheep-killers.
This is a wonderful spark-point to get people involved in the conservation of Australia's apex predator so commonly overlooked and misjudged.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to spend the next few hours scrolling through Wandi's instagram! https://www.instagram.com/wandi_dingo/
This is a great way to get our younger generations curious about dingoes, and dispel the various slurs and rumours against them being wild dogs and sheep-killers.
This is a wonderful spark-point to get people involved in the conservation of Australia's apex predator so commonly overlooked and misjudged.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to spend the next few hours scrolling through Wandi's instagram! https://www.instagram.com/wandi_dingo/
December 18, 2021
Wandi is the first book for young readers by award-winning Australian author, Favel Parrett. The young dingo lives happily in his mountain den with his mama and papa and brothers and sisters, kept safe, warm, dry and fed. His mama teaches him how to find tasty grubs in the ground; his papa warns against leaving the den, and against the tall animal that walks on two legs, that shoots and poisons dingoes: the Human.
But one terrible day, an eagle grabs him and flies him far, far away from his family and their den on the mountain. When he falls down to earth, he is found by a Human, but he is not shot or poisoned. This special dingo cub is lucky: he will be given sanctuary and cared for, and be given a name.
Parrett’s sweet tale of a real dingo cub is written with the intention of highlighting the endangered status of Australia’s only native canid, particularly the pure alpine dingo, and it’s a tale that tries to counter the stigma the dingo has acquired as a predator of stock, when their preferred diet includes introduced feral species and helps to keep the kangaroo population in balance.
With a charming cover and internal illustrations by Zoe Ingram, and easy-to-follow text, this little book is bound to appeal to readers young and not so young. A moving and informative read.
But one terrible day, an eagle grabs him and flies him far, far away from his family and their den on the mountain. When he falls down to earth, he is found by a Human, but he is not shot or poisoned. This special dingo cub is lucky: he will be given sanctuary and cared for, and be given a name.
Parrett’s sweet tale of a real dingo cub is written with the intention of highlighting the endangered status of Australia’s only native canid, particularly the pure alpine dingo, and it’s a tale that tries to counter the stigma the dingo has acquired as a predator of stock, when their preferred diet includes introduced feral species and helps to keep the kangaroo population in balance.
With a charming cover and internal illustrations by Zoe Ingram, and easy-to-follow text, this little book is bound to appeal to readers young and not so young. A moving and informative read.
June 14, 2021
I’ve been following Favel on Instagram for quite some time now, so I knew she had a thing for dingoes. Now thanks to Wandi, I do too!
Favel has created a tender, poignant story about Wandi’s early life in the alpine regions of Tasmania with his family, before being stolen by an eagle as a pup and ending up in a back yard in town.
This is not giving away the story.
Wandi is probably the most famous dingo in Australia for his amazing adventure and miraculous escape. Favel has simply and beautifully crafted a story for children around Wandi’s lucky fall.
Make sure you grab a copy in October when it is due for release in Australia by Hachette. You, too, will be charmed and smitten!
Favel has created a tender, poignant story about Wandi’s early life in the alpine regions of Tasmania with his family, before being stolen by an eagle as a pup and ending up in a back yard in town.
This is not giving away the story.
Wandi is probably the most famous dingo in Australia for his amazing adventure and miraculous escape. Favel has simply and beautifully crafted a story for children around Wandi’s lucky fall.
Make sure you grab a copy in October when it is due for release in Australia by Hachette. You, too, will be charmed and smitten!
September 24, 2021
After reading this beautiful real-life tale about Wandi the dingo, I realised the book serves multiple purposes - for starters, it narrates a beautiful and heartbreaking tale about a dingo stolen from his family by a giant eagle and dropped in a human's garden (a being the dingo is taught to fear from birth). Secondly, it strikes many a similarity to First Nations people who, after living on their land alone, are hunted, mistrusted, and taken from their families by invaders. The subtle references make you think more deeply about the meaning behind the words. Thirdly, it raises awareness about how endangered dingoes are, due to baiting, trapping, and shooting. I felt their persecution so deep in my heart purely from this story, having never seen a dingo in real life. It made me want to visit a sanctuary or do something to keep them safe. The one part that really resonated with me is that most people think dingos are just a type of dog so they don't find them as fascinating or cute as other animals in the Australian wilderness (like koalas or kangaroos) and therefore don't pay them much heed. Well, my eyes have officially been opened and it's all thanks to Wandi, Favel Parrett, and Kevin D. Newman who shared some thought-provoking FAQs at the end of the story.
Briefly back to the story, which, as you can see, I adored; the writing is flawless and full of emotion, the accompanying illustrations beautifully complement the story, and the personification of Wandi makes him an unforgettable character.
Thank you so much to Hachette for sending me an advanced copy of Wandi in exchange for a review. I will certainly do my part in spreading the dingo love 💙
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.7
Writing style/readability - 4.8
Characters - 4.8
Diverse themes - 4.6
Ending - 4.8
Overall - 4.7
Briefly back to the story, which, as you can see, I adored; the writing is flawless and full of emotion, the accompanying illustrations beautifully complement the story, and the personification of Wandi makes him an unforgettable character.
Thank you so much to Hachette for sending me an advanced copy of Wandi in exchange for a review. I will certainly do my part in spreading the dingo love 💙
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.7
Writing style/readability - 4.8
Characters - 4.8
Diverse themes - 4.6
Ending - 4.8
Overall - 4.7
October 13, 2021
Award-winning Australian author Favel Parrett addresses the negative reputation of Australia’s native dingo in a beautifully written story of heart-ache, loss and hope.
High up in the mountains, a young alpine dingo cub lived a happy life learning the ways of the world from his mama and papa. One day disaster struck, picked up by an eagle and deposited in a garden the young cub was injured and alone.
Unlike the humans that his papa had warned him about, the one to find him was kind and caring. Whilst the cub dearly missed his family and his mountain home, a new life beckoned, a life that would make him the most famous dingo in the world…
Based on true events, Favel Parrett’s first book for children is a heart-warming, up-lifting and inspiring story that is set to become a future classic that will be cherished by animal-lovers young and old. Wandi stole my heart and he will steal yours too, you’ll be left wanting to do everything you can to help protect these amazing animals. I have never seen a dingo but I immediately felt strongly about their plight and will definitely be visiting a sanctuary and doing what I can to help their cause.
Told through the eyes of Wandi and complimented with black and white line illustrations, emotions run high as the brave little pup is separated from his family, comes face to face with the humans that his papa has warned him to avoid at all costs before finally making his way to the sanctuary where he becomes the poster boy for the dingo cause. Whilst Wandi may not be a human, many of his feelings and struggles are relatable; his fear, his feeling of helplessness, his longing for a family, his desire to fit in. We all need a tribe, to feel part of something, to belong.
Parrett does more than just deliver a cracking page-turner; she tackles misconceptions, exposes the danger that humans pose to these beautiful creatures and asks us all to reflect on our relationship with this misunderstood and sometimes ostracised animal. The remarkable appearance of Wandi proved that alpine dingoes still exist in the wild and since arriving at the sanctuary he has been able to help humans better understand how intelligent and gentle dingoes actually are, and the essential role that they play in keeping the eco-systems of Australia in balance. Plenty of additional content including a Q & A with the author and notes from Kevin D Newman - ‘Wandi’s very good human friend’ - shed further light on much of this.
You don’t have to just take it from me when I say that Wandi is an absolute star. He has his own Instagram page - @wandi_dingo - with over fifty-seven-thousand followers and he has been visited by television crews and people from all over the world who have been captivated by his story. And if you want to pay a visit to see the most unlikeliest of celebrities, then you can find him located at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary in Toolern Vale, Victoria.
Stories like Wandi’s need to be shared. Currently listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’, Australian’s need to show as much love towards dingoes as they do towards other native species and I can only hope that Parrett’s story will inspire future generations of dingo advocates.
Recommended for 7+.
High up in the mountains, a young alpine dingo cub lived a happy life learning the ways of the world from his mama and papa. One day disaster struck, picked up by an eagle and deposited in a garden the young cub was injured and alone.
Unlike the humans that his papa had warned him about, the one to find him was kind and caring. Whilst the cub dearly missed his family and his mountain home, a new life beckoned, a life that would make him the most famous dingo in the world…
Based on true events, Favel Parrett’s first book for children is a heart-warming, up-lifting and inspiring story that is set to become a future classic that will be cherished by animal-lovers young and old. Wandi stole my heart and he will steal yours too, you’ll be left wanting to do everything you can to help protect these amazing animals. I have never seen a dingo but I immediately felt strongly about their plight and will definitely be visiting a sanctuary and doing what I can to help their cause.
Told through the eyes of Wandi and complimented with black and white line illustrations, emotions run high as the brave little pup is separated from his family, comes face to face with the humans that his papa has warned him to avoid at all costs before finally making his way to the sanctuary where he becomes the poster boy for the dingo cause. Whilst Wandi may not be a human, many of his feelings and struggles are relatable; his fear, his feeling of helplessness, his longing for a family, his desire to fit in. We all need a tribe, to feel part of something, to belong.
Parrett does more than just deliver a cracking page-turner; she tackles misconceptions, exposes the danger that humans pose to these beautiful creatures and asks us all to reflect on our relationship with this misunderstood and sometimes ostracised animal. The remarkable appearance of Wandi proved that alpine dingoes still exist in the wild and since arriving at the sanctuary he has been able to help humans better understand how intelligent and gentle dingoes actually are, and the essential role that they play in keeping the eco-systems of Australia in balance. Plenty of additional content including a Q & A with the author and notes from Kevin D Newman - ‘Wandi’s very good human friend’ - shed further light on much of this.
You don’t have to just take it from me when I say that Wandi is an absolute star. He has his own Instagram page - @wandi_dingo - with over fifty-seven-thousand followers and he has been visited by television crews and people from all over the world who have been captivated by his story. And if you want to pay a visit to see the most unlikeliest of celebrities, then you can find him located at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary in Toolern Vale, Victoria.
Stories like Wandi’s need to be shared. Currently listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’, Australian’s need to show as much love towards dingoes as they do towards other native species and I can only hope that Parrett’s story will inspire future generations of dingo advocates.
Recommended for 7+.
October 4, 2021
This has to be the cutest book I've read this year.
A beautiful little book about Wandi. The true story of an alpine dingo snatched by an eagle and dropped into a suburban backyard. Not only did Wandi prove the pure alpine dingo still exists in the wild, but he is helping to educate humans about their intelligence, gentle nature, & importance to the ecosystem. A beautiful and educational story for both kids & grownups.
🐶🐾🐾🐾
The dingo was listed as “threatened” in Victoria, but in many regional communities, dingoes are still considered vermin and a threat to livestock.
To this day, they are hunted and killed by bullets, traps, poisons, and their carcasses are strung up in trees.
Dingoes play a crucial role in shaping our ecosystems. They help keep the number of herbivores and smaller predators under control. They are Australia's apex predator. They may not be as exotic as a tiger or as magestic as a bear or lion, but they still deserve protection.
I'd love to see this book added to school programs.
A beautiful little book about Wandi. The true story of an alpine dingo snatched by an eagle and dropped into a suburban backyard. Not only did Wandi prove the pure alpine dingo still exists in the wild, but he is helping to educate humans about their intelligence, gentle nature, & importance to the ecosystem. A beautiful and educational story for both kids & grownups.
🐶🐾🐾🐾
The dingo was listed as “threatened” in Victoria, but in many regional communities, dingoes are still considered vermin and a threat to livestock.
To this day, they are hunted and killed by bullets, traps, poisons, and their carcasses are strung up in trees.
Dingoes play a crucial role in shaping our ecosystems. They help keep the number of herbivores and smaller predators under control. They are Australia's apex predator. They may not be as exotic as a tiger or as magestic as a bear or lion, but they still deserve protection.
I'd love to see this book added to school programs.
September 19, 2022
When an Alpine Dingo pup was found in a backyard near Bright in north-eastern Victoria it captured attention as these dingo’s are rarely seen. This is a charming story (based on it happening) is for younger readers to assist them in their awareness of an endangered species that needs human understanding and protection.
October 19, 2021
✍️ This is the true story about beautiful @wandi_dingo and the eagle that swooped him up and hurled him into a suburban backyard in Wandilgong when he was just a little cub Injured and taken away from his mama, papa and siblings. Hereafter he meets his first Human and goes to become the most acclaimed dingo in the world.
This was an absolutely heartbreaking and warmhearted story about beautiful Wandi and the admirable human kindness and love that was demonstrated towards him. The writing style was very graceful and I appreciated the achievement that @favelparrett endeavoured with the release of the book and merchandise as well as volunteering at the beautiful @dingodiscovery. The cover design was delicate and exquisite. A fabulous book for all.
This was an absolutely heartbreaking and warmhearted story about beautiful Wandi and the admirable human kindness and love that was demonstrated towards him. The writing style was very graceful and I appreciated the achievement that @favelparrett endeavoured with the release of the book and merchandise as well as volunteering at the beautiful @dingodiscovery. The cover design was delicate and exquisite. A fabulous book for all.
October 31, 2021
A retelling of the story of ‘the most famous dingo in the world’. Wandi is an alpine dingo cub who gets taken away from his family in the wild. Favel Parrett captured Wandi’s curiosity, fear, intelligence and playfulness beautifully, dispelling many of the myths about dingoes that has lead to their demonisation and culling since colonisation began. Educating the reader about just how beautiful and necessary wild dingoes are, this book encourages readers to become invested in the wellbeing and longevity of this iconic but under appreciated and misunderstood Australian animal.
September 28, 2021
A story that can be read by all ages, and the succession of a species in danger now in the safe hands of the youth who will be captured by Wandi’s very real story.
The life of a dingo cub that started off hours maybe minutes from death then flipped into an extremely positive progressive story that idolises the surviving hero Wandi is for his pure alpine dingo kind.
Awesome work favel! 5/5 paw prints
The life of a dingo cub that started off hours maybe minutes from death then flipped into an extremely positive progressive story that idolises the surviving hero Wandi is for his pure alpine dingo kind.
Awesome work favel! 5/5 paw prints
January 12, 2022
‘Santa’ couldn’t resist giving my 9yo son Wandi for Christmas, and as I’d hoped, he loved it! And he encouraged me to read it. I hadn’t realised it was based on a true story. Favel Parrett has written her first children’s novel as beautifully, and insightfully as she writes for adults. She describes Wandi’s feelings and perceptions in such a way that you come away with a greater understanding of this misunderstood animal’s character and world. I learnt a lot about dingoes. Highly recommend for both children and adults alike!
February 19, 2023
Cute little book that my 7 year old and I read together. She was drawn to the book in the bookshop thanks to the beautiful cover. Each night we read a chapter and went through all the emotions of Wandi’s journey. A lovely combination of simple and challenging words to inspire her reading, but also encourage her to sound out. She was disappointed when it ended. I think that’s the sign of a good book.
December 21, 2023
Apparently one off the biggest sellers over the last couple of years, so I thought I would check Wandi out. This gentle story started well. It helped me understand a little more about dingoes, and the idea of a dingo cub just being dropped into your backyard by an eagle was mind boggling. However, the overall story wasn't compelling enough for me to heartily recommend it to my young readers. I already have the companion book, Kimmi, so I will give that a shot next.
June 5, 2024
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June 22, 2025
cute children’s book i read for an assignment but i’m not the target demographic so feels unfair to comment
October 22, 2025
I feel like I’ve been reading lots of serious and sad books recently so I picked this up from the library.
September 22, 2021
Having had the privilege of working with Favel and with Wandi himself at the sanctuary, I was delighted to read about his story in a children’s book format. It is a tender story that educates us all about the vulnerability of a native species. I look forward to passing on a copy to my nephew and encourage all to read this.
February 3, 2022
Like most people, I suspect, I was stunned and quite amazed to hear the story of a dingo cub landing in a back yard in Wandiligong in northeast Victoria, probably dropped by an eagle. One wonders from what height it fell. It can't have been very high at all for it to have landed without any broken bones or internal injuries.
I can imagine the eagle struggling to take off with its heavy load, then becoming more and more tired, sinking lower and lower, until it finally let go of it precious prize completely. I am currently reading a wonderful book about Australia's birds of prey, written by David Hollands, and can see how this story could be written from the eagle's point of view.
Like many people, again, I was heartened to hear that alpine dingoes still exist. I wonder at what altitude they mostly congregate. They must have taken a dreadful hammering from all the fires up there in the last twenty years or so.
That said, the story is pretty thin for a novel. It crossed my mind some time ago to try to turn this story into a book, but I had other projects on the go, and it sounded like quite a challenge. That said, I'm pretty sure that Favel Parrett has made a much better fist of it than I would have.
It is heartening to read a book about talking animals. I attended a workshop on writing picture books in the 1990s where the convenor made it clear that, at least as far as he was concerned, talking animals were OUT. It did disconcert me a little, though, to discover that this little dingo had a perfect understanding of spoken English from the word go.
The text leans a little towards education at the expense of entertainment at times, but it would be hard not to do that in a book of this nature. It is beautifully presented with a thick, luscious hard cover, wonderful black and white sketches at the start of every chapter, and lots of white space.
This is a book for children and, as an adult, I am not a member of its target audience. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it. 'Wandi' has done a lot to raise my awareness of the alpine dingo, and I look forward to learning more about them.
I can imagine the eagle struggling to take off with its heavy load, then becoming more and more tired, sinking lower and lower, until it finally let go of it precious prize completely. I am currently reading a wonderful book about Australia's birds of prey, written by David Hollands, and can see how this story could be written from the eagle's point of view.
Like many people, again, I was heartened to hear that alpine dingoes still exist. I wonder at what altitude they mostly congregate. They must have taken a dreadful hammering from all the fires up there in the last twenty years or so.
That said, the story is pretty thin for a novel. It crossed my mind some time ago to try to turn this story into a book, but I had other projects on the go, and it sounded like quite a challenge. That said, I'm pretty sure that Favel Parrett has made a much better fist of it than I would have.
It is heartening to read a book about talking animals. I attended a workshop on writing picture books in the 1990s where the convenor made it clear that, at least as far as he was concerned, talking animals were OUT. It did disconcert me a little, though, to discover that this little dingo had a perfect understanding of spoken English from the word go.
The text leans a little towards education at the expense of entertainment at times, but it would be hard not to do that in a book of this nature. It is beautifully presented with a thick, luscious hard cover, wonderful black and white sketches at the start of every chapter, and lots of white space.
This is a book for children and, as an adult, I am not a member of its target audience. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it. 'Wandi' has done a lot to raise my awareness of the alpine dingo, and I look forward to learning more about them.
December 20, 2022
Our Review…
Why You Will Love This….
Wandi is the luminously captivating true story of Wandi, a lost and injured alpine dingo pup.
Favel Parrett perfectly captures the voice of young Wandi as he moves through confusion and fear at losing his family, right through his incredible adventure to love and safety.
An uplifting and inspiring story for any age, but perfect for readers 8-12 years.
More about Wandi…
Wandi the dingo was just five weeks old when he made international headlines after being snatched by an enormous eagle and dropped into a back yard in Victoria’s High Country.
Remarkably unscathed, little Wandi was soon discovered to be a 100% alpine dingo – his incredible fall from the sky proof that pure dingoes continue to survive on the east coast of Australia.
Two years later, the world’s most famous dingo has fathered six cubs of his own, and become the subject of award-winning Melbourne author Favel Parrett’s first children’s book, Wandi.
“This is the most important book I’ve ever written,” Parrett says, who has published three novels including the beautiful multi award-winning novel There Was Still Love.
Favel works as a volunteer 2 days a week at the Dingo Discovery Centre.
Her passion and love for our native dingoes is inspirational.
Proceeds ($10.00) from the Wandi Dingo Toy ($17.00 each) go directly to aid research and care for dingoes at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, Research and Education Centre, Toolern Vale, Victoria.
Why You Will Love This….
Wandi is the luminously captivating true story of Wandi, a lost and injured alpine dingo pup.
Favel Parrett perfectly captures the voice of young Wandi as he moves through confusion and fear at losing his family, right through his incredible adventure to love and safety.
An uplifting and inspiring story for any age, but perfect for readers 8-12 years.
More about Wandi…
Wandi the dingo was just five weeks old when he made international headlines after being snatched by an enormous eagle and dropped into a back yard in Victoria’s High Country.
Remarkably unscathed, little Wandi was soon discovered to be a 100% alpine dingo – his incredible fall from the sky proof that pure dingoes continue to survive on the east coast of Australia.
Two years later, the world’s most famous dingo has fathered six cubs of his own, and become the subject of award-winning Melbourne author Favel Parrett’s first children’s book, Wandi.
“This is the most important book I’ve ever written,” Parrett says, who has published three novels including the beautiful multi award-winning novel There Was Still Love.
Favel works as a volunteer 2 days a week at the Dingo Discovery Centre.
Her passion and love for our native dingoes is inspirational.
Proceeds ($10.00) from the Wandi Dingo Toy ($17.00 each) go directly to aid research and care for dingoes at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, Research and Education Centre, Toolern Vale, Victoria.
November 2, 2021
Wandi tells the story of a dingo cub that is snatched from his home and family by a preditatory eagle. Finally dropped, injured, alone and lost, Wandi is found by a Human and taken to the Dingo Discovery Centre. Here he meets other dingoes, shows off the skills his mother had been teaching him in the wild and makes a friend and life companion in Hermione.
Based on a true story (you can follow the real Wandi's adventures on Instagram by Following @wandi_dingo) this charming middle grade adventure, told from the perspective of Wandi, both entertains and educates and is a wonderful way to introduce young people (and us older people as well) to learning more about these beautiful native animals.
They will learn that:
- dingos are not dogs and do not bark
- that they are native to Australia and have lived here for thousands of years
- that dingoes are an important part of Australia's ecosystem as our country's largest predator
At the end of the book there is a Q&A with the author about why they wrote this book, as well as information about dingos from Kevin D. Newman, the supervisor of the Dingo Discovery Santuary and Research Cenntre.
I never know that this Dingo Santuray existed, and so close to Melbourne. It is definitely a place that I think deserves a visit and all our support.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy of this book.
Based on a true story (you can follow the real Wandi's adventures on Instagram by Following @wandi_dingo) this charming middle grade adventure, told from the perspective of Wandi, both entertains and educates and is a wonderful way to introduce young people (and us older people as well) to learning more about these beautiful native animals.
They will learn that:
- dingos are not dogs and do not bark
- that they are native to Australia and have lived here for thousands of years
- that dingoes are an important part of Australia's ecosystem as our country's largest predator
At the end of the book there is a Q&A with the author about why they wrote this book, as well as information about dingos from Kevin D. Newman, the supervisor of the Dingo Discovery Santuary and Research Cenntre.
I never know that this Dingo Santuray existed, and so close to Melbourne. It is definitely a place that I think deserves a visit and all our support.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy of this book.
May 21, 2022
I read this book to my Grade 2 class. I was worried that it they might not get hooked. Most did. It would be a great book for teaching inference as young Wandi doesn't have names for things so he describes them. And there is quite a bit of guessing initially about what he means. It is a book that doesn't really have an ending. It was probably the first time for most of these children that they had read a book that did have a clear ending. I also was disappointed that I didn't get the ending I wanted. This did however lead to interesting discussions about how we wanted the book to end. The language in this story is rich with lots of new vocabulary to introduce. It was easy to fall in love with Wandi and pretty much all of us now have a keen interest in the Alpine Dingo. Worth the read but it did need a lot of discussion as we read, which of course, is a great thing. And, it was really good to find a totally different type of novel to read. I don't think many (if any) of my class would have picked this book by choice but most said they really loved this story.
September 29, 2021
Wandi is a beautifully told story about a real Alpine Dingo pup who was dropped by an eagle into a backyard in North-Eastern Victoria in 2019. Told almost entirely from the perspective of Wandi (short for Wandiligong meaning "Manifestation of Spirit") from the warmth of his den, to the terror of the eagle and man, to final acceptance and home in the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary & Research Centre in Gisborne, Victoria, this is one epic tale for a little pup.
Told by award winning author Favel Parrett with respect to country and indigenous mythology the story of Wandi teaches young readers about the role of Dingoes, their place in the ecosystem, and the treats to their survival. Facts at the back of the book give eager learners further resources for more information.
Highly recommended for animal lovers of any age and independent readers 7+.
Told by award winning author Favel Parrett with respect to country and indigenous mythology the story of Wandi teaches young readers about the role of Dingoes, their place in the ecosystem, and the treats to their survival. Facts at the back of the book give eager learners further resources for more information.
Highly recommended for animal lovers of any age and independent readers 7+.
November 11, 2021
What a beautiful story! I would have ADORED this as a kid and I adore it now. The story of a dingo who fell from the sky.
There was probably about five bits in this book where I physically pouted as I felt sad for poor little Wandi after being taken by an eagle, separated from his family and taken by the humans he was told would be dangerous. The book is full of illustrations which are just amazing.
I loved that Wandi is REAL and has an awesome social media account to keep up with his antics @wandi_dingo
I found the end super educational, teaching about dingoes and the conservation efforts by the sanctuary where Wandi lives @dingodiscovery
On their website you can buy a heap of merchandise which helps the effort! I love merch so naturally I got a heap, plus a shirt that I seem to have misplaced for the photo 😆🤦♀️
Thank you to Hachette for a copy in exchange for review!
There was probably about five bits in this book where I physically pouted as I felt sad for poor little Wandi after being taken by an eagle, separated from his family and taken by the humans he was told would be dangerous. The book is full of illustrations which are just amazing.
I loved that Wandi is REAL and has an awesome social media account to keep up with his antics @wandi_dingo
I found the end super educational, teaching about dingoes and the conservation efforts by the sanctuary where Wandi lives @dingodiscovery
On their website you can buy a heap of merchandise which helps the effort! I love merch so naturally I got a heap, plus a shirt that I seem to have misplaced for the photo 😆🤦♀️
Thank you to Hachette for a copy in exchange for review!
September 21, 2022
A chapter book about the story of the dingo cub snatched from his family in the Victorian High Country by an eagle, and dropped off in a suburban area. The cub that proves the existence of pure alpine dingoes, still in the wilds of Victoria, despite the threats from humans.
Wandi finds himself in a sanctuary with other dingoes, who are mostly with their families and have always been there. Wandi remembers his time in the mountains, the survival lessons his mama gave him, and the experience of snuggling in with his brothers and sisters.
The story included the role of Bunjil, which my niece recognised right away, and also imparts crucial messages about preserving land and wildlife such as dingoes.
We loved reading this each night over the last week, and chatted about Wandi throughout the days. Sounds like we will need to keep an eye out for sanctuary visit days.
Wandi finds himself in a sanctuary with other dingoes, who are mostly with their families and have always been there. Wandi remembers his time in the mountains, the survival lessons his mama gave him, and the experience of snuggling in with his brothers and sisters.
The story included the role of Bunjil, which my niece recognised right away, and also imparts crucial messages about preserving land and wildlife such as dingoes.
We loved reading this each night over the last week, and chatted about Wandi throughout the days. Sounds like we will need to keep an eye out for sanctuary visit days.
November 2, 2021
I fell in love with Wandi the Alpine dingo when Parrett first started posting about him on Instagram. Found as a cub in a back yard with deep, talon-shaped wounds in his back, it is assumed Wandi was grabbed and later dropped by an eagle. No doubt he put up quite a fight!
This beautiful book by one of my very favourite authors tells Wandi’s story, including the threats to his species and the hard work and kindness of the humans who are trying to help these beautiful creatures survive.
Wandi lives very happily with his friends at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, which I now have on my list of places to visit next time we are in Victoria. This is a lovely story for readers of all ages, and the audiobook is beautifully read by Marta Dusseldorp.
This beautiful book by one of my very favourite authors tells Wandi’s story, including the threats to his species and the hard work and kindness of the humans who are trying to help these beautiful creatures survive.
Wandi lives very happily with his friends at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, which I now have on my list of places to visit next time we are in Victoria. This is a lovely story for readers of all ages, and the audiobook is beautifully read by Marta Dusseldorp.
January 18, 2022
Seeing the world through the eyes of Wandi the Dingo cub endears readers, young and old, to this beautiful, yet threaten species through Favel’s heartwarming, educational and captivating real-life story. His life of freedom with his pure dingo family in the Victorian Alps is shattered when he’s snatched up by Bunjil, however the fear he feels is tinged with hope as readers will be for the plight of Dingoes in the end, learning that there are people fighting for them and that with safety and protection he has been able to create a new family of his own.
May this story raise awareness so one day all dingoes can live freely in safety.
May this story raise awareness so one day all dingoes can live freely in safety.
February 15, 2022
Told through Wandi's eyes, the reader is instantly hooked on the this true recount of the life of this young dingo pup, taken by an eagle, dropped and then his checkered pathway to an animal sanctuary. The loneliness, abandonment, rejection from other dingoes all pull at the heart strings without being too emotionally soppy. Throughout there there a strong environmental messages, a reasoned argument for keeping wildlife in sanctuaries. The book concludes with factual information about the plight of dingoes, and the author's relationship with Wandi that inspired this story.
Engaging read for primary students: 9+
Engaging read for primary students: 9+
October 6, 2021
Wandi by Favel Parrett is a gorgeous children’s book about Wandi, the most famous dingo in the world.
It is based on the true story of how the dingo cub Wandi was picked up by an eagle in the wild and dropped into a suburban backyard.
As well as being a beautiful story, this book is also really informative and educational about dingos. There are some major misconceptions about dingos and this book aims to change those by educating people. At the back is a section of facts and also a Q&A with the author which I found really interesting.
While I enjoyed this story as a middle grade novel, I would love to see a picture book version too.
I would recommend this for middle grade readers who love animal stories, although it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. I think it would make a fantastic classroom resource.
Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a review copy.
It is based on the true story of how the dingo cub Wandi was picked up by an eagle in the wild and dropped into a suburban backyard.
As well as being a beautiful story, this book is also really informative and educational about dingos. There are some major misconceptions about dingos and this book aims to change those by educating people. At the back is a section of facts and also a Q&A with the author which I found really interesting.
While I enjoyed this story as a middle grade novel, I would love to see a picture book version too.
I would recommend this for middle grade readers who love animal stories, although it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. I think it would make a fantastic classroom resource.
Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a review copy.
January 12, 2022
Beautifully written children’s book age 8 and above
However, younger children would love this book read at night to them. There is nothing more nurturing or endearing then having someone read to you.
This book is told through the eyes of a dingo cub & for adults and confident younger readers easily in a day or hour
Favel Parrett is a wonderful young Australian author & this is I believe her first young persons book
I highly recommend her other three novels, very moving stories and based on factual events
However, younger children would love this book read at night to them. There is nothing more nurturing or endearing then having someone read to you.
This book is told through the eyes of a dingo cub & for adults and confident younger readers easily in a day or hour
Favel Parrett is a wonderful young Australian author & this is I believe her first young persons book
I highly recommend her other three novels, very moving stories and based on factual events
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