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
Author
Dianne Wolfer lives on the south coast of Western Australia. She is author of 23 books for teenagers and younger readers, with more titles on the way. 2022 was a busy year with three new titles; 'The Last Light Horse', a 2023 CBCA Notable Book has been adapted for CineStage by Theatre 180, 'Mia' (part of Allen and Unwin's award-winning Through my Eyes series), and another Aussie STEM Stars title about Skye Blackburn-Lang and edible insects. In June 2023 a novel, 'Scout and the Rescue Dogs' will be released with Walker Books. In addition to her home website, Dianne posts about anthropomorphism and favourite animal books at www.animalswhotalk. Other new titles include, 'The Dog with Seven Names' (winner of the 2019 Speech Pathology Awards, CBCA Notable, shortlisted for the NSW Premiers Literary Awards and now published in China) as well as, 'In the Lamplight' (the third title in her Light Series and CBCA Notable), both historical fiction. 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 loves reading and writing animal stories. '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 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. She lives on the south coast of WA. 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 Award, 1999 Short listed, West Australian Young Readers’ Award, 1996
