Author & Illustrators
Inspired to take a walk on the moors by their Dad, who remembered taking such walks with their grandad when he was their age, Nicky and Kenny set off with their Jack Russel terrier on what should have been nothing more than a stroll to take in the views and blow off a bit of energy after being cooped up during the Easter holidays. Even as they step off the bus to begin their walk, Nicky can see the weather changing as a few flakes of snow become more of a blizzard, and what had been a fun adventure leaves them frozen to the core, lost and alone.
Picking up the slim tome, I initially wondered how this diminutive volume could live up to the reviews, especially as I am not familiar with the three prior titles in the series, but I needn’t have worried. Heartbreaking and soul-restoring in equal measure, you’re swept along on their journey with insights into some of their lives and troubles before the time and to the depths of their fear, pain and anguish as their stroll takes a more dangerous turn. Incredibly emotive, more sensitive readers may find some of the text upsetting.
This book doesn’t waste a single word. Unquestionably a rich source for writing and discussion.
Set in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, this fictional story of the dogs left behind to fend for themselves is both powerful and upsetting, yet exciting and inspiring.
Anthony McGowan weaves together the story of a young girl who is forced to flee from her home with that of pups Misha and Bratan, brothers who also live a life running away. The characters of the dogs and the other animals they encounter throughout the book are brought to life with vivid descriptions and wonderful storytelling. We are made to care about them as much as we do about the greatest human fictional characters.
The villains of the story, the predators, are menacing and fierce, and the fights between the dogs and them are told in a manner that is not for the faint-hearted. However, the reality of the battle for survival in the wild is not a story of fiction and is, therefore, a story that needs to be told. As such, I would recommend this book to readers of lower secondary school age, best suited to Year 8.
This book will pull at your heartstrings, make your heart skip a beat and leave you in awe of McGowen’s wonderful storytelling.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments