Book Review: A Wish for the Lost Dogs — A Bilingual English & Filipino Children's Book

Book review: A Wish for the Lost Dogs by Alexander Sunday, illustrated by Sami Cezar

A Wish for the Lost Dogs / Hiling para sa mga Asong Walang Tahanan is the third book from Alexander Sunday and Sami Cezar for children aged four to eight, and it arrives with something quite special. Alongside the story is an original song, “Sweetie Doggie,” written and performed by the authors and funded by NZ On Air’s New Music Kids programme. Both the book and the song will be released in English and Tagalog, which feels like a meaningful gift for so many families in Aotearoa.

I’ve only recently learned that Tagalog is one of our fastest growing spoken languages, with more than 59,000 speakers. This makes this bilingual story even more needed. Tamariki flourish when they see and hear their own language and culture reflected back to them. It strengthens identity, builds belonging, and supports wellbeing in ways that truly matter.

The story itself is gentle and warm. Joseph, a kind and curious child with a love for dogs, leads us through a tale that is simple, sweet, and full of feeling. It invites children to ask questions, to care, and to imagine how they can make a positive difference in their own small ways.

This book fills a real gap and will offer so many of our NZ Filipino tamariki a chance to see themselves reflected as they read it at home, at school, and in their local libraries.

Bio

Anna Mowat is a parent and child wellbeing specialist based in Canterbury. Through her work with Real Parents and Real Collective, she supports families, educators, and organisations across Aotearoa with practical, research-informed resources. Anna regularly reviews children’s books that uplift identity, connection, and wellbeing, and she loves championing stories that help tamariki feel seen and supported.