Teach-Primary-Issue-19.8

www.teachwire.net | 63 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 the entirety 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, W ar 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 this exceptional canine’s bravery during the Second World War. Serving aboard naval ships, Judy was able to warn crews of incoming enemy aircraft. Eventually captured hiding from unfriendly soldiers, long marches and shipwreck. Through it all, she remains devoted to the soldiers with whom she serves. 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 Hear the real-life story of Judy the dog, and explore the impact of conflict and loyalty with Tom Palmer’s moving historical novel... BOOK TOP I C KATE HEAP Illustration © Carolina Rabei T E ACH RE AD I NG & WR I T I NG Book topic KS1/2 Published by Scholastic, 2025 War Dog