It feels strange to be writing this after such a long gap, but here we are. I’ve been a little quiet on the blog since August 2025, simply because life has been busy in the way it so often is. Between teaching, everyday commitments and everything else that fills the weeks, writing took a bit of a back seat. That said, I’m finally catching up on some posts I’ve been meaning to share, and I wanted to start by saying that I’m still very much here and still just as passionate about sharing great children’s books - starting with this one.
This is a book that stayed with me long after I had finished it, which is something I always appreciate, especially when it comes to children’s books that explore real historical events. War Dog by Tom Palmer is a powerful, beautifully told picture book that introduces young readers to a lesser-known story from the Second World War in an accessible and deeply engaging way.
As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for books that can spark curiosity about history while still being emotionally resonant. War Dog does exactly that. It manages to balance factual information with storytelling in a way that feels thoughtful, sensitive and age-appropriate, making it a brilliant addition to any classroom or home bookshelf.
Here is the blurb for the book:
Judy is a dog who lives on a ship called HMS Grasshopper. As the ship's mascot, Judy has many duties. She catches rats, watches out for soldiers who may fall overboard, and she listens out for danger.
Judy loves her crew, and they love her.
She knows that she brings comfort to the men, making her job very important during these hard times. But when her soldiers are taken prisoner and she is separated from her beloved Frank, she must find the strength to keep going.
She is their only hope.
One of the things I loved most about War Dog is how it invites children into history without overwhelming them. The picture-book format makes it especially appealing to older, middle-grade children who may still enjoy illustrations but want to feel that they are learning about something real and important. It’s a brilliant bridge between picture books and more text-heavy historical fiction.
Tom Palmer has a real talent for making history feel human and this book is no exception. By focusing on Judy, readers are given a way into the realities of war that feels personal and emotionally grounded. It opens the door to meaningful discussions about bravery, loyalty and the impact of war, without ever feeling too heavy for younger readers.
From a teaching perspective, this book would work beautifully as part of a history unit on World War II, particularly as a hook text or a shared read-aloud. It also lends itself well to discussion, writing opportunities and cross-curricular links, especially for children who might struggle to engage with more traditional historical texts.
I also have the mention the stunning illustrations from Carolina Rabei; they are a stand-out feature of the book and really bring the writing to life.
Overall, War Dog is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend. It is moving, informative and engaging, and it proves that picture books can still have a powerful place in upper primary classrooms. This is one I can see myself returning to again and again, both as a reader and as a teacher.
Thank you to Scholastic for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
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