5 fantastic friendships between humans and animals

From classics such as Black Beauty and Charlotte’s Web, up to more recent releases like The Last Bear and I Am Rebel, stories about relationships between children and animals are fertile ground for writers. But what is it about these types of stories that keep writers coming back to the theme time and time again? For me, it’s because animals, and dogs specifically, offer an unconditional acceptance that can’t always be found in humans. In my novel My Dog, Worthington the black Labrador is the sounding board for my main character, Rhys’, feelings. Worthington offers friendship and a velvet ear to listen to Rhys’ worries when he feels he has no one else. There is a purity to the child/​animal bond, a sense of living in the moment from both parties, that we, as adults, seem to have forgotten and it is that which I believe makes these types of stories feel so timeless. 

Here are some of my favourite books which depict the beautiful relationship between children and animals: 

This book has a classic feel to it. Rebel loves his human Tom wholeheartedly and that loyalty never waivers, so when Tom goes off to war, his four-legged friend decides to follow, despite never having been further than the farm they live on. It is beautifully heartfelt; the voice of Rebel draws you in from the moment you start reading. I particularly loved the subtle yet brilliantly effective way that Ross Montgomery writes ​‘my tail wags’ rather than ​‘I wagged my tail’ to convey that showing joy and enthusiasm is an intrinsic part of who dogs are, they can’t help it. 

A heartwarming relationship between April and a starving polar bear and a moving plea to look after the environment, Hannah Gold’s debut is deeply affecting. There is a tenderness in the slowly developing relationship between April and Bear, and in the gentle acceptance from Bear that he needs April’s help. The relationship is beautifully crafted to make the reader think about the impact that we humans have on the planet and on the animals that rely on us to make the right choices. 

Set during the Second World War, confused, angry Joseph is sent to live with a woman whose job is to caretake a local zoo and, should the bombs fall, to kill the gorilla that resides in one of the cages. The beauty of this story is the way the connection between Joseph and Adonis blossoms, the convergence of an angry young boy who feels powerless and a powerful beast who is more gentle than he appears. The ending, even though you know it’s coming, had me in floods of tears. 

Set in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1950s, Birdie, the titular character, is adopted by her great-aunt and moves to a small mining village where, because of the locals’ prejudices about Birdie’s skin colour, she is met with hostility. Running from bullies, Birdie hides down a coal mine and discovers Mr Duke, the last pit pony. Birdie is an endearing character and her determination to save Mr Duke while also battling racism and her own feelings of abandonment will tug at the heartstrings. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish reading it. 

This book utterly charmed me with its wacky, larger-than-life characters and the warmth of the voice. Hal has always wanted a dog so when his parents finally agree to let him have one, he’s over the moon – until he discovers the dog has been rented and needs to be returned by the end of the weekend. But of course, Hal can’t give the dog back, nor can he forget the other dogs residing in Easy Pets rental agency. What ensues is a fun, feel-good adventure and a perfect example of how deep the bond between child and animal can go. 

My Dog by Olivia Wakeford is available now.