Black Dog

A black dog appears outside the Hope familys home. As each member of the household sees it and hides, the dog grows bigger and bigger. Only Small, the youngest Hope, has the courage to face the Black Dog. When it chases her through the forest she shows no fear, so it grows smaller and smaller. Finally, back to the size of a normal hound, the Black Dog is welcomed into the Hope household as their newest addition.

About the Author

Levi Pinfold studied illustration at the University College Falmouth where he developed his distinctive stylised realism. Since graduating in 2006 he has become well known for his detailed paintings and charming storytelling style. He likes to paint a lot of detail using watercolours, gouache and egg tempera.

Levi grew up on a diet of Roald Dahl and Maurice Sendak and he's influenced by a variety of artists ranging from Breugel and The Romantics to Alan Lee and Dave McKean. He loves clocks, writing stories and playing the banjo when no one else is looking.

His debut picture book, 'The Django', based on the story of legendary jazz musician Django Reinhardt was inspired by Levi's love of music and it was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Best Children's Illustrated Book Award in 2011. He was voted Best Emerging Illustrator in the Early Years Awards in 2010 and won the Booktrust Best New Illustrators Award 2011. Levi's second book, Black Dog, has won The Coventry Inspiration Award and the highly prized Kate Greenaway Medal 2013. He's also the Children's Book Winner, AOI Illustration Awards.

He currently lives in Queensland, Australia.