A homeless dog, Elki, enters the lives of schoolchildren living in blocks of flats, creating treasured memories along the way.
Elki and the children are inseparable companions on the way to school and back, in summer warmth and the winter cold. The dog becomes part of their playful world and enjoys a share of tasty ice cream until a sudden injury leaves Elki down, shifting the dynamics in the children’s community. Will their world ever feel the same again?
Elki is Not My Dog is about idyllic childhood times when the days looked endless and the friendship felt unshakable. A true celebration of childhood and partly of the community, echoing themes from the debut author’s book, Umbrella.
The illustrations vividly capture the setting and the atmosphere in Eastern Europe in the 1980s from Tonka Uzu’s native Bulgaria, especially the scene of injured Elki at the entrance alongside the familiar faces like Mrs Potts. While including diverse characters broadens the book’s appeal, it slightly contrasts with the otherwise authentic portrayal of 1980s Eastern Europe. It’s a gentle read suitable for EYFS and Key Stage 1 for families and classrooms alike. The book reminds us that life with friends and pets can be magical, and even the smallest companion can leave the biggest changes in our hearts.
Further Information:
If you love Elki is Not My Dog, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: Elki is Not My Dog
- Author and Illustrator: Elena Arevalo Melville & Tonka Uzu
- ISBN: 978-1915252-36-4
- Publication Date: 2024
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Scallywag Press Ltd
- Recommended age: 3-8
- Categories/Topic: dog, friendship, childhood memories
Where to Find it:
