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A Soldier's Friend
SAMMY is a football crazy rescue puppy.MOUSER is a fearless black and white tomcat.Together they make an unlikely pair that won't be parted, not even by the First World War.As the war rages in Europe, Londoners are sending brave animals to help the soldiers - and Mouser and Sammy are soon on their way to the trenches. Boldly criss-crossing no-man's land they make new friends of every nationality - and reunite with old ones. But on the muddy front line, under fire and constantly in danger, will their friendship be enough to save them so they can return home together?'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReadingAbout the Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. Also available by Megan The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs and The Bomber Dogwww.meganrix.com
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 11, 2018
Set during the First World War, and focusing on the relationship of a cat and a dog who for differing reasons find themselves on the Front Line, this is a lovely book that can introduce a young audience to the Great War. Skirting around the grimness of the trenches, it references the struggles and conditions without it being the focus. And it’s message of unity with soldiers of all nationalities taking care of the two animals in the same manner would be an ideal discussion point. I would say this would be suitable for Year 3 upwards.
December 3, 2017
I loved it.
October 2, 2019
Excellent book! My favourite part was when Sammy, Mouser and Oliver finally got back home.
April 4, 2025
Lovely, uplifting story set in WWI with friendships and strong bonds bringing everyone together.
May 14, 2025
I love this book and it is one of my favourite Megan Rix books. I just love her stories!!!!
June 13, 2014
3.5 stars
I’d read all Megan Rix’s War Dogs books set in World War 2, and discussed them with my junior book club. I was looking forward to seeing how a World War One animal story turned out.
In this tale, Sammy, an abandoned dog is befriended by Mouser, a much-loved family cat, and ends up taken to Battersea Dogs Home. He ends up at the Western Front, taken as a mascot for the soldiers. Mouser isn’t far behind – she also ends up there as a ratter cat. And they both meet someone they know from home. And of course find each other. It’s quite nicely done but wholly expected for any adult reading (and in a very familiar format if you’ve read Rix’s previous books).
As with all Megan’s animal books, you do learn a lot. There’s a lot stuffed in there that will tally nicely with the Key Stage 2 curriculum, and with the 2014 WW1 commemorations. There’s some excitement, the trench scenes are quite vivid and well-described. Gas warfare, PTSD, how animals were used in war, all play a role in the story. Even the Christmas Day football match makes a guest appearance.
I’m not a 10-year-old though, so I could also see some points that disappointed. The human characters are fairly two-dimensional, background to the animals though they have speaking roles and take up just as much of the story. We don’t get to learn much about any of the humans. I’d have liked to see more of the Battersea staff, and the soldiers in each of the trenches. The coincidences that bring the characters together is a little hard to swallow, but again, I’m not the average reader.
It’s a fairly thick book but actually is a very quick read, short chapters and easily within reach for 8-12 year olds. There’s not anything gory either despite gas attacks and cavalry charges (death is only mentioned once or twice and never shown ‘on screen’.
Would make an excellent class read for KS2 classes. Don’t mind my quibbles too much – it is informative, got some lovely animal characters and is a very enjoyable read.
I’d read all Megan Rix’s War Dogs books set in World War 2, and discussed them with my junior book club. I was looking forward to seeing how a World War One animal story turned out.
In this tale, Sammy, an abandoned dog is befriended by Mouser, a much-loved family cat, and ends up taken to Battersea Dogs Home. He ends up at the Western Front, taken as a mascot for the soldiers. Mouser isn’t far behind – she also ends up there as a ratter cat. And they both meet someone they know from home. And of course find each other. It’s quite nicely done but wholly expected for any adult reading (and in a very familiar format if you’ve read Rix’s previous books).
As with all Megan’s animal books, you do learn a lot. There’s a lot stuffed in there that will tally nicely with the Key Stage 2 curriculum, and with the 2014 WW1 commemorations. There’s some excitement, the trench scenes are quite vivid and well-described. Gas warfare, PTSD, how animals were used in war, all play a role in the story. Even the Christmas Day football match makes a guest appearance.
I’m not a 10-year-old though, so I could also see some points that disappointed. The human characters are fairly two-dimensional, background to the animals though they have speaking roles and take up just as much of the story. We don’t get to learn much about any of the humans. I’d have liked to see more of the Battersea staff, and the soldiers in each of the trenches. The coincidences that bring the characters together is a little hard to swallow, but again, I’m not the average reader.
It’s a fairly thick book but actually is a very quick read, short chapters and easily within reach for 8-12 year olds. There’s not anything gory either despite gas attacks and cavalry charges (death is only mentioned once or twice and never shown ‘on screen’.
Would make an excellent class read for KS2 classes. Don’t mind my quibbles too much – it is informative, got some lovely animal characters and is a very enjoyable read.
June 2, 2015
Good little WWI book for kids age 8 or so.
March 19, 2016
Nice book set in world war 2
December 26, 2016
This is my favourite ever book!
April 13, 2020
My 10 yr old is a reluctant reader but he raved about this book, if you have an animal lover they will enjoy...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews