London in the Blitz is not a place for dogs! With bombs dropping and building collapsing, nowhere is safe. But Bark and Howl, two puppies born on the London underground know little else. Lost in the dark maze of the tunnels under London they are frightened until Sheba, a wise old cat with only one ear, takes care of them and shows them how to stay safe. But then the puppies are separated. How will they ever find each other again? And how will they survive? The dog’s survival makes a thrilling story of courage and endurance as well as bringing the horrors of war-time London to life. A wonderfully heart-warming story for 9+ readers who are fans of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse and Lauren St John's animal novels.
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for The Victory Dogs we asked a small number of children to read and review this title. Here's a taster....'I thought this was an amazing book it has a really great storyline and it makes you want to read more and never stop until you get to the end.'
And scroll down to read further reviews...
A Piece from the Author, Megan Rix Traffy has been a Therapy dog for the last three years. When she visits schools and libraries with me to listen to children read I always take along a special mat (with letters on it) that she sits on. It also means she knows what she’s there to do as we only use the mat for reading time and when she comes along to my book signings. I like how she watches the children as they read. It’s as if she’s encouraging them without judging them. Initially I used a book with photos of her when we practised at home and this is still one of her favourite books. At the end of the session she always has a treat – Traffy loves treats and will put her paw on my arm to remind me if I forget.
Bark and Howl are two puppies, born on the London underground Sheba is an elderly one-eared cat When the Blitz begins, how will they survive? It's the start of the Second World War and Bark and Howl are lost in the dark maze of tunnels under London. With Sheba's help, they learn how to survive. But when the bombs begin to fall, the puppies become separated. As the attacks continue, Bark and Howl are frightened, but they know the tunnels so well - they're the only ones who can lead hundreds of trapped people out of danger. Will Bark and Howl find each other - and be victorious in leading Londoners to safety?
We have asked a select number of children to review The Victory Dogs. You can read their reviews below.
Bellayia Lazarides, age 9 - 'I thought this was an amazing book it has a really great storyline and it makes you want to read more and never stop until you get to the end.' Click here to read the full review
From Skylar Scott Russell, age 10 - 'The Victory Dogs is fictional but the book gives the reader a brilliant explanation of the war and how terrifying it must have been during the Blitz, for animals as well as people.' Click here to read the full review
Author
About Megan Rix
Megan Rix was born in London and lived in America, Singapore and New Zealand before marrying and moving to the East of England. When not writing she can be found walking by the river with her dogs, Traffy and Bella, who are usually in the river.
