Dog Stayed by Tammy Forster, illustrated by Margeaux Davis

Title: Dog Stayed

Author: Tammy Forster, illustrated by Margeaux Davis

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 3^rd March 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: A tale of love, loyalty and the changing seasons of life. Mr Hindbottom does not want Dog, but Dog isn’t going anywhere … A heartwarming story about two grumpy but loveable characters and their journey of hope and renewal.

One morning, a man knocked on the door to sell something Mr Hindbottom did not need. Mr Hindbottom waved his cane, blew his nose, and slammed the door.
‘And take your dirty, scruffy dog with you!’ he yelled.
But the dog did not belong to the salesman, and the dog stayed.

When Dog turns up one day and stays – despite Mr Hindbottom’s protests – they gradually find a comfortable way to get along. Life is good, but of course life doesn’t stand still …

When Mr Hindbottom is gone, can Dog ever love again?

A classic in the making, with echoes of beloved children’s tales like Old Pig and John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat.

~*~

Most children’s picture books are about fun, adventure, joy and filled with humour. They can also be filled with heart and soul, with gentle messages and lessons about life and what everyone goes through.

In the debut from Tammy Forster, Dog Stayed, a dog comes to live with Mr Hindbottom, who doesn’t want the dog there at first. He doesn’t want anyone there. He sends the salesman away. But Dog stays. All through everything Mr Hindbottom does, Dog stays. So they find themselves becoming friends and companions, and Mr Hindbottom cares for Dog. Until the day Mr Hindbottom leaves forever.

Dog Stayed is a sensitive look at love and loss, and the spectrum of human love and acceptance. It starts with a gruff old man who doesn’t want to see anyone, and moves into a heartwarming story about how he comes to accept love into his life after being alone for so long.

When Mr Hindbottom goes away, Dog stays at the house, with his blanket and a bag a dog biscuits. He watches as people come in and out of the house, as it is sold and new life comes in. He has promised himself he will never love again, though. But that is what this book is all about: love, and finding it. About moving on and being part of someone’s life, even if it is just for a brief time. It is about a dog who has a big heart and is determined to stay where he feels he belongs.

Love comes in all forms, and perhaps we don’t recognise it when it is between animals and their humans, friends or family as much as we do romantic love. So many love stories are centred around romantic love, but I think it is a love like Dog has for his human that is much more powerful and enduring. In this book, we get to see how an animal like Dog latches onto someone and accepts them as part of their lives. For Dog, Mr Hindbottom was safe. He was home. And his home was where Dog belonged, even after he was gone.

This is a book of heart and soul, and one I think will help children and readers of all ages understand or cope with grief. It’s simple and evocative and filled to the brim with deep emotion. I think this will find its place amongst other timeless classics.