Review: Dingoes Up Close


One of my all-time absolute Aussie animal favourites is the dingo. It is often also one of the most misaligned of native Australians thanks not to its reputation or standing as an apex predator but because of our own human occupation of its territories. It's time to get a more realistic appraisal of this fascinating wild canid which is exactly what Dingoes Up Close by Jane Forge does.

This no-nonsense non-fiction picture book doesn't mess around with text boxes and flashy fonts. It delivers straight forward, easy to read facts in clear narrative blocks. Serif font is used to describe the dingo's history, introduction to Australia, habitat and unique behaviours. Uncommon words are capitalised and bolded for emphasis and focus. 

Particularly interesting are the explanations of dingo human interaction. First Nation groups were as important for the welfare of the dingo as the dingo was for them. The relationship between some indigenous groups and dingoes was almost spiritually symbiotic; the dingo's existence interwoven into sacred totem law, companionship and hunting expeditions. 

As this close up examination continues, we become better acquainted with the dingoes' way of life; the way they feed, interact in family units, depend on this pack structure for physical and mental well-being. Historically, modern day humans appear more embattled with dingoes. We've erected barriers to prevent them from fortuitously attacking livestock. We repute them as human aggressors. We invade their natural territories and expect servility. 

What I like about Dingoes Up Close is that it does not dwell on these human dingo conflicts. At all. The tone is purely objective, factual and fascinating, making it an important and useful classroom companion. I can see it spurring many a nature inspired school project into life!

Best of all, every page features a full-bleed colour photograph of the real thing: dingoes up close in the wild! Magnificent images depict dingoes at play and rest, in all the beautiful bold brights of the Australian landscape, from the stunning end papers right through to the informative glossary. 

If your dingo knowledge is in need of a little dust up or you have little obsessed nature-lovers, spend a moment or two getting up close and delightfully personal with these dingoes. 

Title: Dingoes Up Close
Author: Jane Forge
Publisher: Wild Dog Books, $24.99
Publication Date: June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 97817420372540
For ages: 4 - 9
Type: Non-fiction Picture Book

Buy the Book:   Wild Dog Books



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