Letters to a Dog by Piers Torday illustrated by Alice McKinley

I, for real, sat down to write a letter to a DOG. But you’re not just any dog – you’re a little brown-and-white terrier. With short legs and a wagging tail. And the softest, gentlest eyes. I don’t even know your name, but when I saw you at the dog home last week, I just knew we were going to be friends. 

This is a sweet story about a young boy - Jamie Monroe who is desperate for a dog. His mum has died and his dad has become very distant. Before going to hospital Jamie visited a dog shelter and he saw the perfect little dog. He decides to write a letter to 'Dog'. 

Letters to a Dog is a Barrington Stoke book which means it is short (72 pages) and easy to read and contains a story that will appeal to young readers - in this case aged 8+.

Blurb from author webpage: Jamie is in hospital waiting for a life-changing operation. And to make a difficult time even harder, he’s fallen out with his dad and refuses to speak to him when he comes to visit. To keep his spirits up, nurse Shirley suggests he writes a letter to the dog he desperately wants to adopt from the local dogs’ home. But imagine his surprise when Dog writes back!

Dear Jamie, Many thanks for your letter dated last Tuesday, which I can confirm has arrived. Please note that because of the large volume of correspondence being received, there may be a short delay in answering your query. Yours sincerely, c/o Cute Dogs Home London P.S. Please note that this letter has been sniffed for security and training purposes. P.P.S. Please be patient. I am a dog. But please know I am reading your letters. Every word.

Did 'Dog' really write this letter? Jamie thinks it feels a little like AI. He is totally shocked that 'Dog' has replied so he decides to write back. It is seven days until his surgery so there is a letter for each day and in each letter, Jamie shares his deep feelings about what has happened in his life and more importantly why he has stopped talking to his dad. 

This is a beautifully told, empathetic story that does not shy away from the heartbreak that families go through when dealing with loss and the different ways that people cope with grief. It also a story that shines with love, memories and promises fulfilled. Book Craic

Torday’s skill as a writer has created a lively, well-crafted story with a character who speaks directly to the young reader. The illustrations by Alice McKinley add that important visual element. The Barrington Stoke format ensures that this will attract a wide range of readers. This is an excellent addition to any library – a story rooted in a reality that will have a wide appeal. Books for Keeps

Piers Torday began his career in theatre and then television as a producer and writer. He is the author of the Last Wild trilogy, titles within which have won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the UKLA Award and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. In 2016, There may be a Castle was a Times Children's Book of the Year. In regular demand as a speaker at schools and festivals, Piers is also a reading helper with Beanstalk, a former judge on the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, a Patron of Reading at Heathmere School and a trustee of the Pleasance Theatre.

Click the label Barrington Stoke on this post to see lots more books from this excellent publisher. I was in a bookstore recently and talking to the young book seller I mentioned Barrington Stoke - she had not heard of them. I do think (if you are a bookseller) you should consider stocking some books from this series. I especially loved their YA titles which I have shared here. 

Violet Mackerel’s remarkable recovery by Anna Branford illustrated by Sarah Davis

I just grabbed this book, the sequel to Violet Mackerel, with both hands as soon as it arrived in our school library. I was not disappointed. In fact I will say this one is even better than the first. Anna Branford has that lovely knack of introducing a whole set of seemingly unrelated story threads which she then skillfully draws together in a really satisfying way.

Violet has tonsillitis and will need an operation but the good news, explained by the doctor, is that her voice might change. Violet imagines this means she will now have the voice of an opera singer. In the hospital waiting room Violet meets an old lady. She “has a green cardigan and a necklace of bright red beads and she is doing a funny thing with her hands. Her fingers, which have lots of rings on them, are all laced together and she is making her thumbs go round and round.”
Violet lives by the theory of giving small things. The doctor gives Violet a small purple lozenge which she in turn gives to the old lady to help with her anxiety as she prepares to have an operation on her arm. The two new friends make a promise to share afternoon tea following their remarkable recoveries but Violet forgets to tell Iris where she lives.

As we read in the first book, Violet must now think outside the square in order to find Iris and keep her promise. How did Violet get her name? What sort of plants does Iris love to grow? How can a radio gardening program bring the two new friends back together?

The most joyous part is right at the end when we hear Violet sing on radio :
“Red beads and cardigans
Made of green knitting
Round and round thumbs
While you’re quietly sitting.
Robins, eggs, flowers
And fingers with rings
These are a few of Iris MacDonald’s
Favourite things.”

Can you guess the tune? After reading Violet Mackerel you must get your hands on this sequel it is a delight!