Tag Archive | Puffin Books

The Victory Dogs by Megan Rix

Jan2

Inspirational

The Victory Dogs by Megan Rix is an inspiring children’s historical novel and just perfect for ages ten years and over. It is a fictional tale but has its roots in facts.

The story is set in London during World War II and follows two pups, a cat and an old soldier. The camaraderie between them is beautiful to witness. The love and loyalty will bring a tear to your eye on more than one occasion.

The old soldier is not old in terms of years but he is a veteran of Dunkirk and he has seen things that have aged him. He clearly has, as yet, undiagnosed PTSD. He does not believe he is worthy of living amongst people and so hides in the shadows of the underground tube station. He exists in the dark but his heart is full of light. He is kind, good and compassionate to animals.

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Once by Morris Gleitzman

Dec28

Powerful & Heartbreaking

Once by Morris Gleitzman is a powerful and heartbreaking historical children’s novel that is suitable for over ten years old. It is the first book in a seven book series.

Once is set in Poland during World War II. It is written in the first person from the point of view of eleven year old Felix who is a Polish Jewish boy. His parents had sold books and he is a natural born storyteller.

Felix’s innocence shines through. He thinks the Nazis don’t like Jewish people because they (the Jewish people) like books. His innocence is heartbreaking as he puts an innocent spin on the activities he sees – the people have no clothes on because it is hot. As the novel progresses, his innocence is gradually stripped away.

We witness the bravery of Felix as he rescues a six year old girl who was left for dead, along with her parents. Ironically, it is only in the young and the innocent where there are no divides amongst them.

Felix is not the only brave soul. There are pockets of bravery amongst the fearful and the cruel.

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The Battle Of Bubble And Squeak by Philippa Pearce

Dec27

Entertaining

The Battle Of Bubble And Squeak by Philippa Pearce is an entertaining children’s novel, just perfect for ages eight years and over.

The reader meets Bubble and Squeak who are two gerbils in need of a new home. All the family, except Mum, want to keep them. All they need to do now is to convince Mum that she wants to give them a home!

All the book is well presented. I loved the illustrations.

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The Primrose Railway Children by Jacqueline Wilson

Jul6

To The Moon And Back

The Primrose Railway Children by Jacqueline Wilson is a wonderful modern re-telling of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children. It is perfect for ages eight years and over and is sure to delight whatever your age.

I am a huge fan of the 1970 film but have never warmed to the original book. However The Primrose Railway Children captured my attention and my heart from the start. It follows similar but slightly different storylines to the original and is absolutely charming.

The action is told via ten year old Phoebe in the first person. She is realistic, likable and easy to empathise with. I ‘travelled’ through the novel in her shoes. She has a fourteen year old sister Becks and an eleven year old brother Perry, who has autism. We witness the ups and downs of sibling relationships. They basically love each other with the occasional spat.

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