book cover

The Dog That Saved the World (Cup)

by Phil Earle, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Interest age: 9 to 13
Reading age: 8+

Published by Barrington Stoke, 2020

  • Chapter books
  • Historical

About this book

For Pickles the dog and his owner Elsie, football is everything – they love nothing more than playing the beautiful game together. So when Elsie’s local team win the chance to play a half-time match at the upcoming World Cup, the pair are very excited. But off-pitch, times are hard. Elsie’s dad is struggling to pay for rent and food. To make matters worse, the World Cup trophy has been stolen, putting the whole tournament – and Elsie’s dream match – in jeopardy. Can the loyal Pickles save the World (Cup) and make Elsie’s Wembley dream come true?

This highly engaging plot takes its inspiration from two fascinating real-life football icons – including a dog called Pickles who discovered the 1966 World Cup trophy after it was stolen from an exhibition! Written to be highly accessible, the clear layout, dyslexia-friendly font and tinted pages make this a great book for building confidence in newly independent readers.

A heartfelt and super-readable story with a positive and encouraging message about staying true to your dreams even when life presents challenges.

About the author

Phil Earle was born and raised in the great city of Hull. His first job was as a care worker in a children's home, which inspired him to train as a drama therapist. After a couple of years in the care sector, Phil chose the more sedate lifestyle of a bookseller and now spends his time writing children's books as well as selling them for a publisher. Phil lives on a hill in south-east London with his family, and writes on the bus to work. No one has used this as an excuse to pinch his laptop. Yet.

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