A lovely history lesson aimed at younger readers - a very informative ( and moving ) account of animals in war time. It also sensitively tackles more modern aspects of war , from diverse perspectives ( a Syrian refugee, an ex para who served in the Falklands, an army reservist ) A powerful message about the importance of trying to understand each other, rather than making snap judgements. Beautifully done 💟📚😄

This is another short and simply written book from Tom Palmer, that nevertheless covers complex ethical themes and packs a real emotional punch. Jack discovers that his Dad may be posted to Afghanistan on military service. He goes on a school trip to Northern France where he researches the real-life story of a solider who died with his dog during D-Day. He is forced to confront his attitude to war - both current and in the past. There are some really emotional and thought provoking parts to this...

Perfect, concise and balanced, contemporary yet contextual. This story is a new classic school text. A school project on D-Day and a trip to Normandy force Jack to explore his views on war. 100% relatable and in my opinion, Tom Palmer's best work to date.

Another great read from Tom Palmer. An inspirational story about a school trip to Normandy and all the lessons learned about WWII, plus other major issues that are encountered on this journey.

Another amazing book written by Tom Palmer. He knows the exacts words to say to get all audiences hooked into his story.

Moving story of a boy's connection with World War IISet in modern times D-Day Dog explores the second world war through 11-year old Jack's eyes. As he prepares to go on a school trip to Normandy he confronts the reality of war for his loved ones - his father, mother and his dog. Cleverly plotted and surprisingly emotional this book is set to be a classic for school children everywhere. I was leant D-Day Dog by my 12 year old nephew. Tom Palmer is my nephew's favourite author and he has read all

As an army brat, I was concerned midway through the book as to the direction this book was going, but Palmer did a fantastic job in explaining the complexities of war - how it's not a game just about killing people.I really encourage young people to read this book to decide for themselves about the necessities (or not) of war.

I'm a dog lover so this instantly appealed to me. Jack has waited patiently for a dog and hasn't let his parents down, looking after and training Finn well. He is going to France on a school trip to the places associated with DDay. His teacher suggests he looks at animals in the war. He isn't happy with what he finds. But will he change his mind when on the trip. Jack loves his family and his dog. He agrees to go on the trip, even when he has decided he doesn't really want to, because his Mum an...

Seen through the eyes of Jack, this book examines the complexities of war and why soldiers choose to fight. Primarily focusing on World War II, as Jack prepares to visit the Normandy beaches with his classmates, later conflicts are also touched on and Jack comes to realise that there are no easy answers.A touching and heart warming book that isn't afraid of tackling difficult moral dilemmas.

A fantastic thought provoking and emotional book. Some really good questions for the reader to ponder about war and what is right and wrong. Enjoyable read with Remembrance Day being tomorrow.

This emotional read follows a young boy called Jack. He is 11 and dreamt of owning his own pet dog. When he gets one, he's happy until he learns that his Dad is off to war and his Mum doesn't want him to go. Jack has always loved playing warfare games until his class does a project on WW2 and travel to the North French coast on a school trip. Then, he starts to question his interests and attitude towards life and the world. It was a hard-hitting read, that included lots of references to current

This is the story of a boy named Jack, who is alive in the present day and very attached to his dog Finn, as he researches the story of a paratrooper with a canine companion for a school project while he is also forced to navigate changes to his family life. I thought the way in which the book explored war was really sensitive and interesting- and I loved the way it questioned the morality of the very concept of war and certain specific situations relating to, while simultaneously recognising th...

An amazing exploration of war, both past and present, which answers difficult questions about why soldiers choose to fight and die. Stories from World War 2, the Falklands and the current conflict in Syria are woven together in this sensitive little book.

Jack Ashville, an 11-year-old living in England, had always wanted a dog, and finally his parents had said yes. Now, except for school, he and Finn are inseparable, and Jack has worked very hard taking care of Finn and having fun with him. But Jack also loves to play video games with his dad, a soldier in the Army Reserves. Their newest video game is based on the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944, and while his dad wants to teach Jack something about D-Day before playing, Jack just wants to get to

Jack is really proud of his dad who’s in the army reserves and he can’t wait for the school trip to France where they will get to see the WWII battlefields & cemeteries. However, when their teacher decides to make the trip come alive for them by asking them to research one of the people who were involved in the D-Day landings, it becomes a bit too real for Jack.This is an exploration of war and our reaction to it. Tom Palmer asks some difficult questions: is it ok to play war games? Should war b...

Super quick read but incredibly detailed about Jack and his friends in Year 6 who are studying the Second World War before taking a trip to the Normandy beaches. Jack has to deal with a serious rift between his Mum and Dad when his Dad reveals his army reserve unit of going to Afghanistan (pre the recent Taliban takeover). There is also a Syrian girl in Jack’s class who had to flee after the bombing of Aleppo. The balance between a reflective view of war and what’s happening today is done really...

current mental state: crying at a children’s book

This is another wonderful book by Tom Palmer.It concerns a boy, Jack, whose Dad may be going to Afghanistan as a soldier, and his new dog. Also he finds out about a soldier in World War 2 who had a war-dog. They both parachuted into enemy territory on D-Day. The book is very gently written and is really more concerned with attitudes and tolerance and having an open mind. Through various experiences Jack learns a lot as the book goes on and becomes more sympathetic. He makes mistakes, but these a...

Tom Palmer is an author who specialises in YA fiction for reluctant readers. However, the plotline of this cleverly crafted story demonstrates that a straightforward narrative does not necessarily result in simple ideas. This is definitely a story that is meant to make young readers think about war, loyalty, and duty as well as other complex ideas.Jack is an 11-year-old schoolboy fascinated by war and war-themed computer games. His dad is a part-time soldier who encourages his interest by playin...

Concise but full of emotion and opportunity on every page to debate the morality of war. Great to have a book about the war that is set in the present day and interwoven with threads from other conflicts. A great book for class discussion.