A Boy's Best Friend

Publisher: Graffeg

Clinton lives with his grandparents on a Caribbean island, where he helps Granny with her cows and helps his Uncle on the fishing boat on Saturdays. Clinton isn’t very interested in school and “tunes out” most of the school day until he can get home and see his best friend in all the world, his dog Rufus.

Yet when Clinton’s mum in England sends for him, he has to move to cold, grey London and leave Rufus, Granny and Uncle behind. His new school is all right, but he still zones out for most of the time until one day, on a school trip, disaster strikes: his school bus is involved in a collision and Clinton has to leap into action to help a farmer whose cows are in danger of wandering onto a busy road.

Despite Clinton trying to explain to the adults afterwards, no-one really understands what happened until Clinton’s school receives a letter from the farmer Clinton helped. When his new family take him to visit the farm, everyone loves it – even his high-flying lawyer stepdad. And David, the farmer, has a wonderful gift for Clinton…

One of a series of standalone stories about children growing up in the countryside by Nicola Davies and illustrated in pencil by Cathy Fisher, A Boy’s Best Friend is a fantastic, short read about an outdoorsy boy who loves animals but finds school difficult. Many children will relate to Clinton’s “zoning out” at school, and realise that non-academic skills are just as valuable.

More books like this

Lucy’s Winter Rescue

Author: Anne Booth Illustrator: Sophy Williams

When Lucy finds an injured baby otter on the riverbank, she helps take care of him in her gran's Wildlife Rescue Centre. This heart-warming animal tale, with a sprinkling of Christmas magic, has short chapters and black-and-white drawings.

Read more about Lucy’s Winter Rescue

Clarice Bean, Scram!

Author: Lauren Child

Clarice Bean is back! Clarice has her summer holiday ahead of her but seems like there is nothing to do and it’s so hot. Her best friend Betty Moody is on holiday, her big sister Marcie is grumpy as ever, and little brother Minal is as little as ever. Her neighbour Robert Granger is as annoying as ever. But one day that starts out as nothing ends up being fi…

Read more about Clarice Bean, Scram!

Share this book with your friends

Use our Bookfinder to discover the perfect children's books for every age...