Darling, Mercy Dog of World War I, by Alison Hart, Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery, 2013, Peachtree, $12.95, hardbound, 162 pages. Category/Genre: adventure. Cover: engaging. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
This book is written from the point of view of a dog named Darling, who lives in Cosham, England during World War I. Darling is a mischievous dog, and gets into all sorts of trouble with her friend Rags, the terrier next door. She doesn't care about the war or hard times, or anything except running free.
But Darling's family can't afford to keep her any more, and one day they give her away to become a war dog, helping the troops. Because the British army can't afford to keep dogs who don't give them anything in return, any dogs who don't do well in training must be put down. All Darling wants to do is escape and run home.
Things have changed drastically for the fun-loving Darling, and things change even more when her trainer is injured and it's up to her to find help. Soon she becomes a mercy dog: a dog trained to seek out the injured soldiers on the battlefield and bring the medics to them.
This is a true adventure story, with lots of angst and dramatic action. It's interesting to see history through the eyes of a dog, and to learn how dogs actually served during war time.
Written for ages seven through ten.
If you like this one, try: the forthcoming Murphy, Gold Rush Dog.
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If you've got a book you're wanting to tell everyone about, tell us; we'll post your recommendation at the end of the month.
I Am Tama, Lucky Cat: A Japanese Legend, by Wendy Henrichs, Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi, 2011, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 29 pages. Category/Genre: legend. Cover: beautiful. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
This book is a re-telling of the Japanese legend of Maneki Neko, the Beckoning Cat, or Lucky Cat.
In this book, Tama makes a long journey in search of food and shelter. His search brings him to a poor monk in a run-down temple. The monk takes Tama in and takes care of him even though he has little food even for himself. In return, Tama catches mice and gives the monk his warmth and friendship.
Then one day Tama finds a way to give the monk he loves even more.
This is a lovely and touching story, well told and with beautiful artwork that suits the Japanese-style prose. Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this tale.
For ages five and up.
If you like this one, try: Suggestions?
Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour!
