GHOST DOG

Ghost Dog, illustrated by. Amanda Graham, 'Magic Bean Junior Novel' (1990, Era Publications). Audio-tape read by Brenton Whittle. Big Book 0947212612; Small Book 0947212620
Notes for teachers in Rodney Martin, Junior Novels Teacher Resource Book 1863740430 www.erapublications.com

Sarah, Nicholas and their parents are driving along a lonely track on Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia at night. They have been warned that it is a dangerous trip, and they should try to arrive at Bamaga in daylight, but a tyre on their four-wheel drive gets a puncture.

Soon they encounter the giant ghost dog of Aboriginal mythology, and then a cyclist who sneers at danger and refuses the offer of a lift. After passing an eerie array of wrecked vehicles on both sides of a high, twisting section of the ridge track, they arrive at holiday cabins. The cyclist doesn't appear, and the story ends without explanation, except for a brief comment by the manager that, next day, they may find bike parts in the creek.

The ghost dog is described by Edna Mark, an Aboriginal woman from Bamaga in Cape York Peninsula, in The Australian Yarn, a collection by the folklorist, Ron Edwards.

An article about children's responses to Ghost Dog was first published in 'Practically Primary' Magazine, June 1999. See With Reluctant Readers, Try Horror!

Another horror story in the 'Magic Bean Junior Novel' series is:
Edel Wignell, The Midnight Monster (1998, Era Publications) 1863744355
For further information, see Era's web site: http://www.erapublications.com