This tender and beautifully illustrated text tells the story of Patrick, who has always wanted a dog, but has never been allowed to have one because of his dad's intense allergies. The many soft, chalky, black and white illustrations are moving and the well-spaced text helps reading for newly confident readers. In the beginning, we meet a small puppy, who, along with his siblings and mother are being parceled out to new owners. One of the puppies is shy and very close to his mum, and he really doesn't want to be taken, and it is this puppy who becomes the star of our story. In chapter two, the puppy is sold to a new family, where he is very badly mistreated and learns nothing but mistrust and sadness and is eventually left in a rubbish dump to die. Chapter three introduces Patrick. He and his mother are driving to visit his grandad in the city, where they go each year for a holiday. This time, though, Dad is not with them, and Patrick is starting to become aware that all is not well with Mum. Dad is in Australia with his rock band, and no one seems to know when he is coming back. When Mum suggests that Patrick might want a dog, he is amazed. What about Dad? he asks. But Mum is evasive. The dog chosen, is, of course, the puppy, now being housed in an animal sanctuary, and Patrick falls in love immediately. The puppy, still highly mistrustful, cannot respond, and the people in the sanctuary explain that it will take time and lots of work for him to accept Patrick. Among other things, the little dog doesn't bark. The rest of this highly moving story involves Patrick's hard work with Oz (as he calls the puppy) and also the growing realisation that his parents are splitting up and that his dad is starting a new life in Australia. Patrick and his mum will be living with Grandad all the time now, and this is going to mean further changes, but it does mean that Oz will stay. Patrick's emotions are very real and well portrayed, and his love for the puppy and his mum and Grandad will carry him through. Quite remarkable and a beautiful story from two Irish author/illustrators who get it just right.