Milu's dog

Love for animals, unconditional friendship in the face of adversity and, above all, freedom are the outstanding qualities in the work distinguished with the XII Compostela International Prize for Illustrated Albums. ‘Milu's Dog’, by Mariann Máray, is the story of a little girl and her peculiar pet, who becomes her great companion for games and fun. Having a pet is an important responsibility: feeding it, monitoring its growth and veterinary visits are aspects that do not go unnoticed in this book. The protagonist's lack of prejudice in the face of other people's rejection - under the influence of stereotypes and social conventions - of diversity also stands out: Peluso is ‘very special’, as she herself expresses with enthusiasm.

The intense and abundant colouring of the illustrations transports us from the forest to the city, passing through the home, with nature as a destination and a space for reflection and freedom. They are images full of details, close to naïf aesthetics and the world of childhood, which play boldly with chromatic contrasts.