Cheeky dogs to Lake Nash and back by Dion Beasley and Johanna Bell
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760528119.
(Age: 9+) Cheeky Dogs to Lake Nash and back is the third book by
Dion Beasley and Johanna Bell. It follows Dion's life from the
walking journey to his birth to when he returns to Lake Nash (his
mother's home town) as an adult. The text has a poetic spin to it,
and after a few pages I could almost hear Dion reading it to me. His
illustrations really add so much life and interest to this book,
which would not be the same without them.
It is a different type of memoir, being a picture book, however
Dion's illustrations of the communities he moves through, including
maps and houses, provide additional information that help us to
piece together his story. I loved hearing about life in Tennant
Creek from the perspective of a young person.
We enjoyed the slight repetition throughout the story which seems to
add a narrative element, bringing my youngest listener in (5 years
old), whilst the understanding that it is someone's life story
captivated the 9 year old.
Johanna Bell, who has worked with Dion (who is profoundly deaf) to
create these stories has really done a wonderful job piecing
together both Dion's life story, plus showing his love for those
cheeky dogs.
I am a sucker for a true story which is probably why I really
enjoyed this one, however my son loved the drawings (he is a keen
illustrator himself) and my daughter was there for all those cheeky
dogs!
Although I had one younger listener, I think this memoir would be
best aimed at students 9 years and above, and would be a great
addition to a curriculum based lesson.
Lauren Fountain