“A story that reminds us of the unconditional love dogs bring into our world”

A story about belonging

Murphy the dog was feeling a bit lost and wanted to know where he belonged. After listening to his human dad talk about all the different dogs and families within their community, Murphy discovers that if you can love and belong to yourself first, you can belong anywhere.  This story reminds us about the unconditional love that dogs bring into this world and the happiness they bring to families and communities.

Where Do I Belong?

Introduction: The Importance of Belonging

In life, we all know where we come from, and if not, many of us make it our business to find out. However, we often forget to embrace where we truly belong. Belonging is a fundamental human need. Our story for children highlights that true belonging begins within ourselves. By fostering self-love, inclusivity, and self-acceptance, we can discover where we genuinely fit in.

Exploring Key Themes

The story addresses important topics such as race, gender, identity, and the big feelings that come with change. As educators, it is vital to celebrate our differences using values like love, honesty, trust, compassion, and kindness. Dogs serve as wonderful teachers for these lessons, modelling these values in everyday life.

How to Purchase Our Book & PowerPoint Presentation

If you would like to purchase our book, please email us with your details. We can arrange collection or postage. The book is available on our website for $25.00. You can also find it at the New Edition Bookshop in the heart of Fremantle, Terrace Greenhouse Gallery, and Dunsborough Books in the South West of WA. Alternatively, if you would like to purchase a PowerPoint presentation of the story with the song, the cost is $10.00. Just send us an email and we will send the document to you.

Additional Resources

A QR code at the back of the book connects you to our resource page. Here you can access the Belonging Song, an 11-minute meditation, and a sensory processing information book for teachers and parents. The information book also includes activities designed to cover all curriculum areas.

Further Support

There is also a link to information on creating a sensory-friendly classroom for middle to upper primary school children. If you have any questions or wish to get in touch, you can email us via the link on our ‘Creators’ page.

Creating a sensory-friendly classroom - click here
Creating a sensory-friendly classroom - click here

Meet the characters

  • A painting of a happy dog sitting on a sandy beach near the ocean with waves and a distant shoreline in the background.

    Avo

  • Painting of a dog with brown and white fur, lying on a blue surface, with a blue background.

    Cooper

  • A black dog wearing sunglasses and a life jacket sits on a boat seat on a body of water, with the water stretching to the horizon in the background.

    Betty Boo

  • Painting of a small, brown and black dog with blue eyes, lying on a light blue surface, with a soft, neutral background.

    Saffron

  • A colorful painting of a German Shepherd dog's face, with expressive blue eyes and a mixed palette of bright and dark colors highlighting its fur and features.

    Boston

  • Painting of a brown dog with a blue bandana around its neck, showing alert expression with open mouth and teeth, set against a pinkish background.

    Murphy

  • Close-up painting of a golden retriever dog with a blue background.

    Chilli

  • A photorealistic painting of a brown and black dog with a white collar, looking directly at the viewer.

    Dilbert

  • Painting of a dog with droopy ears and a white and black coat, sitting on a wooden floor.

    Lottie

  • A colorful painting of a fluffy white dog with black eyes and nose, set against a blue background.

    Betty

  • A painting of a curly-haired black dog with one eye looking upward, painted with textured brush strokes.

    Pepper

  • A realistic painting of a light-colored dog with amber eyes, a black nose, and pointed ears, resting on a surface.

    Sam

  • Painting of a black and white puppy lying on a beige blanket with large green leaves in the background.

    Shadow

  • A painting of a small, fluffy dog with light-colored fur, resting its head on a person's arm. The dog has dark eyes, a pink nose, and ears with pinkish hues. The background includes a light green wall and a metal grid, with part of the person's brown sleeve visible.

    Teddy

  • Painting of a dog with pink sunglasses and orange lenses, looking directly at the viewer, with a dark background.

    Tirimisu

  • A painting of a yellow Labrador puppy lying on a blue surface with a blue background, looking directly at the viewer.

    Toby

  • Painting of a German Shepherd dog with tongue out, against a blue sky background.

    Turi

  • Painting of a happy black and tan dog sitting against a blue background.

    Whisky

  • A painted portrait of a Labrador Retriever sitting on a colorful, textured ground.

    Wilbur

  • Painting of two dogs, one black and white and the other tan, both with curly fur, against a light background.

    Ziggy and Daisy

  • "This story illustrates that belonging starts from within, and it is through self-love and self-acceptance that one can truly find where they fit in"

  • "The book touches on complex topics such as race, gender, and identity."

  • "Belonging is a fundamental human need. It brings comfort, support, and a sense of security"

Get in touch

Email us
Email us