This emotionally touching picture book follows a stray dog named Elki, who gradually becomes part of the lives of children in a large apartment complex, despite not officially belonging to anyone. Through companionship and care, the story beautifully illustrates themes of love, belonging, and the impact of caring for those who are often overlooked.

This is the story of Elki, the dog that lives on the streets, in the children’s community. She plays with them, walks with them to school and walks them home. One little boy feeds her and all the children look after her. One day, Elki is no where to be found. They do eventually find her and she is hurt. They bring her home, to their apartment and take turns with her. Eventually she does get better and they realize they are her people.

A sweet story about a stray and the community that takes care of her. A great message of kindness and caring and how a community comes together to take care a stray.

A stray dog cannot belong to any of the children in the apartment building; after all, the landlord doesn’t allow dogs. But the four children find a way to make a home for the dog they name Elki. This picture book never turns twee or preachy, bound to be loved by kids and grownups alike.

Author and illustrator Elena Arévalo Melville based this book on a real-life adventure from fellow illustrator Tonku Uzu’s childhood, a great valentine to a kind group of children and a very special dog.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Publisher Spotlight and Scallywag Press in exchange for an honest review.

This was okay., but I wish it had a better ending with Elki being adopted. Stray dogs can be a big problem, and this romanticizes it.

I was so nervous this would be a sad story or a too perfect ending, but it was incredibly sweet and hopeful. I think it was important that she stay a neighborhood dog.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

Beautiful, but sad,book about the realities of the life of a strain dog. This is a wonderful conversation starter for children and perhaps help them view stray animals with a bit more compassion

I loved this story of how a group of neighborhood children came to care for a stray dog. They understood that Elki didn't have a home, but that didn't keep them from doing what they could to care for him.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this adorable picture book

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of Elki is not my dog by Elena Arvalo Melville in exchange for a honest review.This is a different kind of pet book .Elki is a street dog who doesn’t have a home or an owner.The neighborhood children love and feed her but can’t bring her inside because they live in an apartment building.What will they do when Elki gets hurt? Read the book and find out.Perfect book to teach empathy in young children and to show how we can work together to help others.

Cute little book showing the power of friendship and kindness. This book has great diversity in the characters who are children.

This is a simple but loving story. A stray dog, a bunch of children, dog gets sick or injured. Kids take care of her--Elki-- until she is better. There were bits and pieces i would try to fit in-- what happened to her, how did the kids help her-- but the story works. There are some oddities with the text but these seem to be intentional. My biggest issue is the typeface, which just seemed blah. ( I just realized...it was probably rendered in the font i have set on my Kindle...) Perhaps that has something to do with it being a Kindle book. I'll try another time to open it on my computer and see if that makes a difference. But all in all, a sweet story of kids learning to empathize with and care for others. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for making this copy available to me.

Many apartment buildings will not allow residents/children to keep/own a dog. But loving children CAN be owned BY a friendly, playful dog!
The illustrations by Tonka Uzu are simple, expressive, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Publisher Spotlight | Scallywag Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

Cute short story about a group of young kids and their fondness for a stray dog. I loved the illustrations and the message behind the book, as empathy is an important trait