Stubby: A True Story of Friendship
Publisher: Andersen Press
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.
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Books about World War I
These books about World War I will offer young readers a range of different perspectives on the conflict, ranging from picture books to teen novels there's something here for everyone.
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Non-fiction and fact books your child will love (ages 4-8)
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.
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Talking about war and conflict
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.
