Stubby
by Michael Foreman
Interest age: 4 to 8
Reading age: 7+
Published by Andersen Press, 2018
About this book
Published to coincide with the centenary of the end of the First World War, this beautiful book tells the story of Stubby, the most decorated war dog of the First World War. American Corporal Robert Conroy adopts this little stray dog when training in Connecticut and ends up taking him all the way to the Front Line in France.
The story of one soldier and his dog brings home the brutality (and futility) of war and also shines a light on the incredible bravery of those that fought in it. There's peril but no death, and the dog factor means even preschoolers can enjoy having this book read to them. It's certainly a very thrilling read with a happy ending.
Stubby: A True Story of Friendship joins the ranks of Michael Foreman's wonderful fictionalising of true stories that have brought history – particularly the First and Second World Wars – to life for so many children across the decades. As war veterans disappear, these books provide a profound connection back to our past and important stories that we should never forget.
The storytelling here is as sublime as ever, and the illustrations are profoundly beautiful and stay in your mind long after reading the story. A book to treasure, cosy up and read together, and feel grateful for our relative peace.
Watch Michael read this fantastic book
About the author
More books like this
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Cobweb
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
9 to 14 years
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Please Write Soon
by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Michael Foreman
9 to 14 years
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Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish
by Michael Foreman
4 to 7 years
-
Boy Giant
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Non-fiction and fact books that children aged 4-8 will love
Getting children to love reading isn't necessarily about fiction and fairy tales. There are loads of brilliant non-fiction books that can teach your child about the world, as well as being entertaining, funny and gorgeous to look at. Sometimes non-fiction is also a fantastic way to tempt a reluctant reader into sitting down with a book. Here are just a few of our favourites to get your family ready and excited to read.
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Talking about war and conflict
When war is in the news, children can often pick up on what's going on and feel upset or anxious. It can be hard to know how to talk to young people about conflict, but these books could help to spark discussions about war and its consequences.
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Books about World War I
War can be a difficult subject for children to understand properly, especially the conflict of the First World War. These books will offer young readers a range of different perspectives on the conflict.
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Historical fiction for younger children
Young children should be captivated by these exciting stories, set in different historical periods.