Sometimes Love is Under Your Foot

Colin Thompson (author/illustrator)

Scholastic Australia: 2008

ISBN: 9781741690873

Genres: animal stories,realistic fiction

Issues: family, loyalty, relationships, trust

This apparently simple narrative about a man and his dog carries complex subtexts about human relationships and attitudes towards family.

Kevin is a devoted dog. He likes the children in his human family - he plays with them, takes them for walks - but his heart belongs to their father, Brian. Unfortunately, Brian seems oblivious to the little dog's loving loyalty. When Brian becomes ill, he comes to appreciate Kevin, finding comfort in the dog's unquestioning affection.

This apparently simple narrative about a man and his dog in fact carries complex subtexts about human relationships and attitudes towards family. Thompson's slightly sarcastic tone masks a somewhat bitter commentary on the tendency of families, fathers in particular, to consider obvious expressions of affection to be unnecessary or ‘unmanly'.

While the vocabulary makes this story readable by seven year olds, it is far more appropriate for older readers, especially as a discussion starter. The illustrations reinforce this, being of rather subtle shades with grey undertones that will be better appreciated by a more experienced eye.

Colin Thompson once again challenges the nature and reader expectation of picture books.