Beach Dogs

by Colin Dann

'Now!' he snapped urgently. 'Down to the boat. As soon as you hear the engine start, jump in and get out of sight!'Zoe and Bertram have embarked on the most amazing adventure of their lives. Egged on by the lively young mongrel Jack, they are escaping heir dull, shorebound lives and are on course for the remote island of Clany.But what sort of life can the stowaways expect Winter is coming, and food and drink will be hard to find on the island.

Genres: Animals, Childrens

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 1989

About the author

Colin Dann (born 1943 in Richmond, Surrey (now part of London)) is an English author. He is best known for his The Animals of Farthing Wood series of books, which was subsequently made into an animated series.

Dann worked at the publishing firm William Collins Sons & Co. for thirteen years, and his first novel, The Animals of Farthing Wood, was written during this period. The original cover for this and a dozen others was painted by Portal artist Frances Broomfield.

Colin Dann, recipient of Britain's Arts Council National Award for Children's Literature, is also the author of six sequels and a prequel to The Animals of Farthing Wood.

Reviews

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story about three dogs, two of whom decide to stowaway and leave their masters to adventure in a new island. The dogs feel overlooked by their owners, and in the older Boxer's case, he goes into Kennels for the Winter months and feels particularly unloved. When they reach the island however, they realize exactly what they're missing back home, and a sad story from another dog who has waited for his Master's return for years prompts them to begin looking for a way home.

So there is nothing truly groundbreaking here; if anything, there are probably better animal journey stories including the Animals of Farthing Wood by this same author, and the Incredible Journey. Still though, it was a cute book and I did enjoy the story, so four stars.

[Lone Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe, a West Highland White, and Bertram, a Boxer, are canine friends who meet up on the beach every day when taken out by their owners. Both are somewhat disillusioned with their lives, and are easily persuaded by lively mongrel Jack to stow away on his master’s boat and visit the island where he lives. Once there and living as strays, however, they begin to realize how lucky they were to have comfortable homes and caring owners, especially when they hear the tragic tale of another island resident.

I enjoyed this book, especially its themes of friendship and appreciating what you have, but I could not give five stars to a book that has cats, which are obligate carnivores, surviving on vegetables and bread!

[Wayne Farmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Dann's Farthing Wood books, so I was a little disappointed with this unrelated novel. My main gripe is that I found that the constant bickering between Jack and Bertram was a little tiresome after a while and it was really unenjoyable to read. The ending of the book seemed a bit rushed and I was a little disappointed in the way that, after everything they went through, nothing much actually changed for the better for 2 dogs that had the worst circumstances in their lives.
Probably only for Dann completists.

[Melissa (she/her/hers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Colin Dann as a kid; especially the Farthing Wood series. 25 years after I first read it, I still enjoyed the story of three dogs having adventures on a remote island. I'll definitely share with my niece and nephew.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute little story but a little too twee for my liking. And a little dated. But a nice easy short read, and a fond memory from my childhood reading days.

[Sarah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as a child. Great fun adventures.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story but an unsatisfying ending!