The Girl and the Dog

Maya puts on her yellow raincoat and heads to the shelter, where a scruffy golden-tan dog with one floppy ear and one upright ear picks her just as surely as she picks him. She gives him the name Biscuit, and together they start a slow, treat-filled course of learning in the backyard, on walks and at the park. Biscuit is quickly drawn to squirrels, butterflies and flowers, and Maya finds that training calls for calm repetition, a cheerful voice and a great deal of kindness.

Little by little, Biscuit masters sit, stay, come and heel, while Maya learns to wait and to praise. A windy, frightening day puts them to the test when Biscuit bolts, yet Maya's steady voice guides him back, showing that trust grows through practice and care. Rainy-day lessons, a hiding-and-finding game and a new roll-over trick turn training into the pair's favourite game. This gentle tale by Çınar BİBER follows everyday victories rather than grand adventures and can be read on Masalcı Baba.