Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
This publication, by Max Hamilton, is not the first children’s book with this title, but this latest version is an interesting read with no doubt different examples from those found in the other books. The author has taken examples from across the world but mainly from Australia and the USA. However, there are also examples from France, Italy, Japan and Austria. Max Hamilton (we often jump to the wrong conclusions with names) is a Whitley award-winning illustrator and graphic designer who loves making children’s books. Her work spans over twenty years.
With previous children’s books she has won awards such as the 2023 CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year Award. Her work often features the Australian countryside and its unique animals and birds e.g. Where the Lyrebird Lives and Tasmanian Devil. She has teamed up with other writers and illustrators in the production of these books, but this latest work appears to be all her own work.
As the author reminds us at the beginning of this book, ‘All around the world, dogs are known for being our best friends’. She then goes on to provide double page spreads to highlight some of the very important jobs and ways that dogs help us humans. The jobs they do and the breed of dog involved are very diverse. Thirteen examples are given of dogs who work outside the home, and these involve over a dozen different dog breeds.
Many of these dogs play a caring role within society such as keeping patients calm in the dentist chair; being a school companion helping people cope with grief and anxiety; hospital dogs who visit the children’s ward and a Paralympian guide dog helping an Austrian cross-country skier.
But many jobs involve saving lives whether they be humans, animals or birds. In this situation the dog might even have to work in water or snow and be required to jump out of helicopters or off boats to save someone.
Film star dogs are mentioned as well as one which acts as a shopkeeper. Some are required to wear footwear to protect their feet and some help in the scientific world. Others like to play sport.
Created as a book for the three to six age group this Dogs with Jobs book contains information that is interesting to older aged readers as well. I found it to be a sturdy book with crisp realistic watercoloured illustrations which appreciates the versatility of various dog breeds and their willingness to learn new skills.
Regardless of whether they are at work within a home or in a wider sphere, dogs are still man’s best friend, and this book reminds us of that.
Dogs with Jobs
(2025)
by Max Hamilton
Albert Street Books
ISBN:978-1761181016
$19.99; 36pp