If you choose one new book for Remembrance Day this year, make it this one.
War Dog, written by master of children’s historical fiction, Tom Palmer, and illustrated by the incredibly talented Carolina Rabei, is a beautiful account of the true story of Judy the dog. Published just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15th August 2025, it shares one extraordinary dog’s bravery during the Second World War.
Serving aboard naval ships, Judy was able to warn crews of incoming enemy aircraft. Eventually captured alongside the crew, she became the only animal to ever be officially registered as a Japanese prisoner of war. Through her love, devotion and courage, she kept up morale and encouraged resilience for all of her 14 years. Awarded the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross), Judy has become an extraordinary story of war.
This stunning picture book is honest and extremely powerful. Judy is lovely but she faces a horrific reality of enemy attacks, hunger, hiding from unfriendly soldiers, long marches and shipwreck. Through it all, she remains devoted to her men.
War Dog celebrates the intelligence and loyalty of all animals who work alongside service men and women in the midst of war. Each gorgeously illustrated double-page spread contains so much to discuss. Teachers will be able to go as deep into the details as they wish – a more surface level story for younger children or greater analysis and meaning for older students. As to be expected in a story of war, there are moments of real peril and heartbreak. Judy’s life is at risk many times but her devotion and resilience in helping her men saves her life again and again.
I’m sure I will be sharing War Dog so many times this term – with my Brownie unit, my Guide unit and with any classes I teach. Truly beautiful and meaningful picture books only come along once in a while. This is definitely one of them.
Thank you to Scholastic for a copy of this extraordinary book!
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