Christopher Cheng (text) and Liz Anelli (illustrator), Old Fellow, Walker Books Australia, May 2022,32 pp., RRP $25.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760652395
In Old Fellow, Christopher Cheng and illustrator Liz Anelli take readers on the simple yet inviting journey of an old man and his dog on their walk to the park. It is there that the characters observe their surroundings, reflect on the familiar, and engage all of their senses. They meet neighbours, sit on their park bench and enjoy every moment of their local park – the most wonderful place.
The man and his dog share a loving and loyal companionship which appears to have developed of quite some years. Though it is never quite clear who ‘Old Fellow’ actually is, it is apparent that it could be either the man or the dog.
Anelli’s illustrations so warmly capture the characters and reflect Cheng’s engagingly simple story. I found this story heart-warming, and one which captured the blessing of community and connection.
Reviewed by Raquel Mayman
