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The Emergency Zoo
When the war comes, who will save the animals?
It is late August 1939: Britain is on the brink of war, and preparations are under way to evacuate London’s children to the countryside. When twelve-year-old Tilly and her best friend Rosy find out that they will not be able to take their beloved dog and cat with them – and that, even worse, their pets will, along with countless other animals, be taken to the vet to be put down – they decide to take action. The two girls come up with the idea of hiding them in a derelict hut in the woods and, when other children find out and start bringing their rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, their secret den turns into an emergency zoo.
Inspired by real events during the Second World War, Miriam Halahmy’s novel is a touching tale of courage, resourcefulness and camaraderie in desperate times, as well as a stirring defence of animal welfare.
It is late August 1939: Britain is on the brink of war, and preparations are under way to evacuate London’s children to the countryside. When twelve-year-old Tilly and her best friend Rosy find out that they will not be able to take their beloved dog and cat with them – and that, even worse, their pets will, along with countless other animals, be taken to the vet to be put down – they decide to take action. The two girls come up with the idea of hiding them in a derelict hut in the woods and, when other children find out and start bringing their rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, their secret den turns into an emergency zoo.
Inspired by real events during the Second World War, Miriam Halahmy’s novel is a touching tale of courage, resourcefulness and camaraderie in desperate times, as well as a stirring defence of animal welfare.
253 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2016
11 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Halahmy
23 books80 followersI have been writing since childhood and have published twelve novels, one for adults and eleven for young people. I have been twice nominated for the Carnegie Medal. My work has been performed on stage and I was the first recipient of the prestigious PJ Ourway Author Award, in America. My books have been published in America and translated into eight languages.
My YA novel BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the Winner of the Manchester Metropolitan University 'great student giveaway.' "The clear and popular winner."
My latest book POMEGRANATES FOR PEACE offers a message of Peace and Hope for the Future in a very divided world.
I am a frequent visitor to schools, book festivals, conferences and universities.
And I love making videos about my work.
So do visit my YouTube channel where you can view book readings, tips and lots more about my books.
https://www.youtube.com/user/miriamha...
My YA novel BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the Winner of the Manchester Metropolitan University 'great student giveaway.' "The clear and popular winner."
My latest book POMEGRANATES FOR PEACE offers a message of Peace and Hope for the Future in a very divided world.
I am a frequent visitor to schools, book festivals, conferences and universities.
And I love making videos about my work.
So do visit my YouTube channel where you can view book readings, tips and lots more about my books.
https://www.youtube.com/user/miriamha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 12, 2016
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The Emergency Zoo begins with an idyllic scene. It’s the 26th August 1939. Rosy and Tilly have made a secret den in an abandoned building in a clearing in the woods. They’ve been sneaking away since the school holidays began. Tilly has her dog Bonny and Rosy her cat Tinkerbell. Of course the idyll is shattered when the public information campaign begins …
Everyday life we see through the eyes of Tilly as she interacts at home with her parents. I must admit to nostalgia with Sunday School; Tilly’s dad working in the garden on a Sunday; listening to the radio and vinyl being played on the record player (not in 1939 though!). The feeling of being powerless at that age and the emotions of a child being forgotten in the fear of the adults own emotions is portrayed perfectly. On 1st September when Germany invades Poland it’s very tense in Tilly’s home. Tilly’s view:
“The war’s like a fiery dragon or a monster with no face,” she thought with a shiver. “It’s going to eat us all up and there’ll be nothing left.”
One particular scene that Tilly sees outside the vets (which she shouldn’t have) is disturbing. It really brought it home to me that this is what happened. For real.
The secret den isn’t just about the pets that are looked after. The children build their own community. Tension and conflicts are perfect for the recommended age group. Stereotypes are explored as is bullying and tolerance.
I thought Miriam Halahmy’s writing style was evocative of Enid Blyton. I enjoyed the rhythm, the pace and seeing the world from a young person’s point of view.
The author has created a story that is sensitive but also full of hope. It’s certainly thought provoking and I can only reiterate that I recommend The Emergency Zoo for all age groups.
I would like to thank the publisher’s for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Emergency Zoo begins with an idyllic scene. It’s the 26th August 1939. Rosy and Tilly have made a secret den in an abandoned building in a clearing in the woods. They’ve been sneaking away since the school holidays began. Tilly has her dog Bonny and Rosy her cat Tinkerbell. Of course the idyll is shattered when the public information campaign begins …
Everyday life we see through the eyes of Tilly as she interacts at home with her parents. I must admit to nostalgia with Sunday School; Tilly’s dad working in the garden on a Sunday; listening to the radio and vinyl being played on the record player (not in 1939 though!). The feeling of being powerless at that age and the emotions of a child being forgotten in the fear of the adults own emotions is portrayed perfectly. On 1st September when Germany invades Poland it’s very tense in Tilly’s home. Tilly’s view:
“The war’s like a fiery dragon or a monster with no face,” she thought with a shiver. “It’s going to eat us all up and there’ll be nothing left.”
One particular scene that Tilly sees outside the vets (which she shouldn’t have) is disturbing. It really brought it home to me that this is what happened. For real.
The secret den isn’t just about the pets that are looked after. The children build their own community. Tension and conflicts are perfect for the recommended age group. Stereotypes are explored as is bullying and tolerance.
I thought Miriam Halahmy’s writing style was evocative of Enid Blyton. I enjoyed the rhythm, the pace and seeing the world from a young person’s point of view.
The author has created a story that is sensitive but also full of hope. It’s certainly thought provoking and I can only reiterate that I recommend The Emergency Zoo for all age groups.
I would like to thank the publisher’s for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2016
August 1939, and the UK is just a few weeks away from entering the Second World War. Whilst the adults are concerned with making sure that their homes are ready, and making blackout curtains, the children have more worrying things to contend with; their pets.
Up and down the country, owners are destroying their animals, either by their own hands, or taking them to the vets to be put down. It was deemed the ‘kindest’ thing for them. The children of the UK disagreed.
For twelve year old best friends Tilly and Rosy, the thought of their beloved pets being put down was too much to bear, on top of them knowing that they are soon to be evacuated, and taken to the countryside, leaving their families behind.
The girls come up with a plan to hide their pets in an abandoned shed, just out of town. Word quickly gets around the local children, and over the course of the next few days, they have lots of them turning up with their animals, wanted them to be hidden too. From dogs and cats, to a parrot and a snake, the children have all gone against their parent’s, and brought their animals to a safe-haven – The Emergency Zoo.
Well what can I say? This book is superbly written. Ms Halahmy has created a beautiful, poignant book that is both captivating and heart-warming, and I loved every minute of it.
The backdrop to the book mimics real-life events that occurred at the start of WWII. Hundreds of thousands of pets were killed, as it was thought that the war would be too much for them, and killing them now was the kindest way for them to go.
Filled with love, friendship, and the desire to help one another in such a difficult time, the story brings to life the lengths that children will go to for their pets. The characters are all wonderfully written, and you can feel their emotions jumping out at you. I loved that they were able to pull off such an enormous task without the adults finding out. This is pure teamwork and loyalty to one another.
This book is a must read. It will hold you to the pages and drag you into the story. It will make you lose track of time, as you fully emerge yourself in it. Time that will be well spent.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
Up and down the country, owners are destroying their animals, either by their own hands, or taking them to the vets to be put down. It was deemed the ‘kindest’ thing for them. The children of the UK disagreed.
For twelve year old best friends Tilly and Rosy, the thought of their beloved pets being put down was too much to bear, on top of them knowing that they are soon to be evacuated, and taken to the countryside, leaving their families behind.
The girls come up with a plan to hide their pets in an abandoned shed, just out of town. Word quickly gets around the local children, and over the course of the next few days, they have lots of them turning up with their animals, wanted them to be hidden too. From dogs and cats, to a parrot and a snake, the children have all gone against their parent’s, and brought their animals to a safe-haven – The Emergency Zoo.
Well what can I say? This book is superbly written. Ms Halahmy has created a beautiful, poignant book that is both captivating and heart-warming, and I loved every minute of it.
The backdrop to the book mimics real-life events that occurred at the start of WWII. Hundreds of thousands of pets were killed, as it was thought that the war would be too much for them, and killing them now was the kindest way for them to go.
Filled with love, friendship, and the desire to help one another in such a difficult time, the story brings to life the lengths that children will go to for their pets. The characters are all wonderfully written, and you can feel their emotions jumping out at you. I loved that they were able to pull off such an enormous task without the adults finding out. This is pure teamwork and loyalty to one another.
This book is a must read. It will hold you to the pages and drag you into the story. It will make you lose track of time, as you fully emerge yourself in it. Time that will be well spent.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
September 8, 2016
When I was younger I loved reading books about World War Two - Private Peaceful, War Horse, The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, Goodnight Mr Tom just to name a few. Therefore it was great to be able to read another middle-grade World War Two novel, after having gone through seven years of school and one year of university, knowing a lot more about the history of World War Two than I did when I first read these kind of books.
The Emergency Zoo is a beautifully written book and I was immediately sucked into the story and intricately described world of the characters before the end of the first chapter. The writing was accessible for children and yet not patronising, and the dialogue was also incredibly enjoyable to read.
The story was told through the perspective of the protagonist Tilly, which made for a fantastically told story with the innocence and heart of a child. I in particular loved her relationship with her best friend, Rosy. Both girls were really well written as courageous, intelligent girls with a fierce sense of dedication and responsibility towards their own pets, and the people around them. There was a huge sense of adventure in this book, which added to the historical context the story was set in, which would no doubt make a child who was reading it be interested in learning about the Second World War.
Along with the fantastically paced, beautifully written story, there were also important issues and themes running through the book. When Tilly befriends two Jewish children, who have been sent to England on the Kinder Transport, Tilly not only protects them against bullies as the other children denounce them as 'not one of us', but also has an important conversation with her parents as they explain to her that the Jews in Germany are treated horrifically and that they are not fighting the war against them, they are fighting the war against Hitler. I think that Halahmy did a great job of including vital moral issues into the story, which are such an important part of a child's understanding of World War Two. There were so many parts in the book that almost made me well up - there was so much heart and emotion included in the story, with the unwavering hopefulness of a child.
Overall, I loved The Emergency Zoo and would recommend it to children aged 9 and up - I thoroughly enjoyed it as a nineteen year old - so there is no reason why you won't!
The Emergency Zoo is a beautifully written book and I was immediately sucked into the story and intricately described world of the characters before the end of the first chapter. The writing was accessible for children and yet not patronising, and the dialogue was also incredibly enjoyable to read.
The story was told through the perspective of the protagonist Tilly, which made for a fantastically told story with the innocence and heart of a child. I in particular loved her relationship with her best friend, Rosy. Both girls were really well written as courageous, intelligent girls with a fierce sense of dedication and responsibility towards their own pets, and the people around them. There was a huge sense of adventure in this book, which added to the historical context the story was set in, which would no doubt make a child who was reading it be interested in learning about the Second World War.
Along with the fantastically paced, beautifully written story, there were also important issues and themes running through the book. When Tilly befriends two Jewish children, who have been sent to England on the Kinder Transport, Tilly not only protects them against bullies as the other children denounce them as 'not one of us', but also has an important conversation with her parents as they explain to her that the Jews in Germany are treated horrifically and that they are not fighting the war against them, they are fighting the war against Hitler. I think that Halahmy did a great job of including vital moral issues into the story, which are such an important part of a child's understanding of World War Two. There were so many parts in the book that almost made me well up - there was so much heart and emotion included in the story, with the unwavering hopefulness of a child.
Overall, I loved The Emergency Zoo and would recommend it to children aged 9 and up - I thoroughly enjoyed it as a nineteen year old - so there is no reason why you won't!
June 5, 2016
In the run up to WWII pet owners are advised not to leave their pets unattended. “If you cannot place them in the care of neighbours, it really is kindest to have them destroyed.” (Ministry of Home Security 1939)
How do children respond to the possible loss of their precious pets? Tilly and Rosy found an emergency zoo but, facing evacuation themselves, how can they save their pets?
Evoking the days leading up to the outbreak of war and their impact on children and also addressing the issue of animal welfare, this extraordinarily moving book, inspired by real events, is ideal for children 10+. However, it can be equally enjoyed by adults, especially those who remember times when they spent their days outdoors, returning home only for meals.
How do children respond to the possible loss of their precious pets? Tilly and Rosy found an emergency zoo but, facing evacuation themselves, how can they save their pets?
Evoking the days leading up to the outbreak of war and their impact on children and also addressing the issue of animal welfare, this extraordinarily moving book, inspired by real events, is ideal for children 10+. However, it can be equally enjoyed by adults, especially those who remember times when they spent their days outdoors, returning home only for meals.
July 24, 2016
Disclaimer: I got this copy for free through a raffle/competition
A great, quick little read valid for grown-ups as well as children! Set in the days before the outbreak of World War II pets are being put-down in preparation for the bombing and rationing. Two children try to save their pets from this dreadful fate.
Well worth a read, great fun, and glad to have read something outside my normal reading scope.
A great, quick little read valid for grown-ups as well as children! Set in the days before the outbreak of World War II pets are being put-down in preparation for the bombing and rationing. Two children try to save their pets from this dreadful fate.
Well worth a read, great fun, and glad to have read something outside my normal reading scope.
October 18, 2018
I like books from world war II.
It interests me that I learn about how the kids got evacuated in WW II.
I learned from the book that everyone loves pets. They love them so much they saved them :)
It made me think about how hard it must have been for the kids to leave their families in the evacuation.
It interests me that I learn about how the kids got evacuated in WW II.
I learned from the book that everyone loves pets. They love them so much they saved them :)
It made me think about how hard it must have been for the kids to leave their families in the evacuation.
October 5, 2017
The story flows and is a very easy read. It explores more themes than it appears to, and although written rather simply, it feels very genuine. How the children interact with the world, one another and the things they believe in, are expressed in a very believable manner.
March 11, 2023
"A stirring defence of animal welfare" was how the blurb for this book was rounded off, and that was why we picked it as a read for our little vegan book club.
How did it do on that front? Pretty well for me. A book like this faces a couple of challenges; first, it is easy enough to dismiss a concern for animals as a childish fancy, to be outgrown even in peacetime, let alone war. A good children's book treats the concerns of its protagonists with as much seriousness as the protagonists do themselves. It questions the naive notion that adulthood is a one-way process of shedding foolishness; instead, there's something gained, and something lost. Every children's book faces that challenge, but The Emergency Zoo has the theme of animals to add to that challenge. It rises to it with commitment. Throughout the book, I was struck by the remembered difficulty of being a child living in a world of adults that care little for your cares.
The second challenge is placing the theme of a concern for animals in its time and place. Set in the beginning of world war 2, before Peter Singer, before animal rights as a cohesive movement, it made sense to me that the child protagonists are the way they are. They struggle with the complexities of their situation. What's a darling pet to them is but a food commodity to another. Bacon is a breakfast staple, and as much a part of the children's routine as going to bed and brushing their teeth; but when they meet animals that are outside their orbit, they engage with kindness. There are snakes, there are hamsters, there is a rat, there is a goat, and there's even a parrot. The children see the individuals, they see their wants, and they see the love of their human companions, and their kindness and bravery is a guiding light in a confusing world. To me, this isn't a failure of the message, but a success, built on the strength of the child protagonists. Tilly, in particular, but Rosy, and the rest of the Cobras, all different and unique, linked only by their conviction.
Miriam Halahmy goes beyond the theme of animals. She touches upon the entrenched social classes of their time, and how the children - as they often do - see through the cultivated blindness of the adults and develop unlikely friendships. It isn't easy - and it shouldn't be - but it feels true and honest. The author touches upon anti-semitism, and xenophobia, and the insensible fear war invokes. How could she not, given the time and place, but still, it's done with boldness and empathy. Bullying is touched upon too. Even the adults, despite moments of callousness, are no pantomime villains. A stirring defence of kindness, is what this book is.
Why did I dock a star? I'm not entirely sure. The fault might be in me. Maybe I can no longer enjoy the simple language of a children's book, but I still felt there was something lacking. Nonetheless, this book is an achievement, and this is a story that ought to be read.
How did it do on that front? Pretty well for me. A book like this faces a couple of challenges; first, it is easy enough to dismiss a concern for animals as a childish fancy, to be outgrown even in peacetime, let alone war. A good children's book treats the concerns of its protagonists with as much seriousness as the protagonists do themselves. It questions the naive notion that adulthood is a one-way process of shedding foolishness; instead, there's something gained, and something lost. Every children's book faces that challenge, but The Emergency Zoo has the theme of animals to add to that challenge. It rises to it with commitment. Throughout the book, I was struck by the remembered difficulty of being a child living in a world of adults that care little for your cares.
The second challenge is placing the theme of a concern for animals in its time and place. Set in the beginning of world war 2, before Peter Singer, before animal rights as a cohesive movement, it made sense to me that the child protagonists are the way they are. They struggle with the complexities of their situation. What's a darling pet to them is but a food commodity to another. Bacon is a breakfast staple, and as much a part of the children's routine as going to bed and brushing their teeth; but when they meet animals that are outside their orbit, they engage with kindness. There are snakes, there are hamsters, there is a rat, there is a goat, and there's even a parrot. The children see the individuals, they see their wants, and they see the love of their human companions, and their kindness and bravery is a guiding light in a confusing world. To me, this isn't a failure of the message, but a success, built on the strength of the child protagonists. Tilly, in particular, but Rosy, and the rest of the Cobras, all different and unique, linked only by their conviction.
Miriam Halahmy goes beyond the theme of animals. She touches upon the entrenched social classes of their time, and how the children - as they often do - see through the cultivated blindness of the adults and develop unlikely friendships. It isn't easy - and it shouldn't be - but it feels true and honest. The author touches upon anti-semitism, and xenophobia, and the insensible fear war invokes. How could she not, given the time and place, but still, it's done with boldness and empathy. Bullying is touched upon too. Even the adults, despite moments of callousness, are no pantomime villains. A stirring defence of kindness, is what this book is.
Why did I dock a star? I'm not entirely sure. The fault might be in me. Maybe I can no longer enjoy the simple language of a children's book, but I still felt there was something lacking. Nonetheless, this book is an achievement, and this is a story that ought to be read.
January 5, 2021
Bei „The Emergency Zoo“ geht es darum, dass eine handvoll Kinder (jaaaa, es ist Altersempfehlung 9 – 11) aus London am Vorabend des Zweiten Weltkriegs ihre Haustiere davor bewahren möchte, eingeschläfert zu werden. Sie verstecken sie in einer Hütte am Rande eines Feldes und kümmern sich abwechselnd um sie. Als sie evakuiert werden sollen ist guter Rat teuer, denn wie immer in solchen Büchern, dürfen die Erwachsenen ja nichts mitkriegen.
Es hat nur knapp 250 Seiten, liest sich (hallo, 9-11) flüssig und informiert zudem darüber, in eine Geschichte verpackt, was sich hinter den allgemein bekannten historischen Fakten zur damaligen Zeit abgespielt hat.
„The Emergency Zoo“ by Miriam Halahmy is about a bunch of children in London on the eve of WW2. They want to save their beloved pets from being put down, hide them in a den in the woods, nearby a field. As the children are set to be evacuate from London, they need to work out a plan how it‘s possible to keep the pets cared for – because, as usual in such books, the grown ups are not allowed to know about.
It has only 250 pages and is an easy read (yes, its for age 9-11), but it also informs about historical facts that are not so widely known – at least not by me.
Es hat nur knapp 250 Seiten, liest sich (hallo, 9-11) flüssig und informiert zudem darüber, in eine Geschichte verpackt, was sich hinter den allgemein bekannten historischen Fakten zur damaligen Zeit abgespielt hat.
„The Emergency Zoo“ by Miriam Halahmy is about a bunch of children in London on the eve of WW2. They want to save their beloved pets from being put down, hide them in a den in the woods, nearby a field. As the children are set to be evacuate from London, they need to work out a plan how it‘s possible to keep the pets cared for – because, as usual in such books, the grown ups are not allowed to know about.
It has only 250 pages and is an easy read (yes, its for age 9-11), but it also informs about historical facts that are not so widely known – at least not by me.
October 21, 2025
This is a gorgeous read that everyone can enjoy no matter their age! It brings hope that in times of war, or any kind of disaster, that even pets should be considered and saved.
The children and their pets that make this story happen are very well thought out and the surroundings they bring alive are very accurate and typical of the months leading up to the declaration of WW2.
This book is a joy to read even given the sad circumstances surrounding the events that make this story resonate the times portrayed. The idea of saving all the pets in a make shift zoo run by the children is brilliant and I could actually see the pets and children in my mind as the story unfolded and I really believe that something like this probably did happen in more than one place.
I thoroughly recommend this read no matter your age!
I own a softback copy of this book.
The children and their pets that make this story happen are very well thought out and the surroundings they bring alive are very accurate and typical of the months leading up to the declaration of WW2.
This book is a joy to read even given the sad circumstances surrounding the events that make this story resonate the times portrayed. The idea of saving all the pets in a make shift zoo run by the children is brilliant and I could actually see the pets and children in my mind as the story unfolded and I really believe that something like this probably did happen in more than one place.
I thoroughly recommend this read no matter your age!
I own a softback copy of this book.
November 2, 2023
This was such a good book! I love animals too!
When Tilly and her best friend Rosy discover they are being evacuated for the war, they are devastated! Tilly's dog, Bonny, and Rosy's cat, Tinkerbell are going to be killed!
Tilly and Rosy come up with the plan to hide their pets in a secret den in the woods.
When other children find out about the den and ask for their animals to be kept there as well, the Emergency Zoo forms.
Disaster strikes. Tinkerbell is dead. Luckily, Rosy finds another kitten.
Things are complex now there is only one question left:
WHO WILL LOOK AFTER THE PETS WHEN THE CHILDREN ARE EVACUATED?
When Tilly and her best friend Rosy discover they are being evacuated for the war, they are devastated! Tilly's dog, Bonny, and Rosy's cat, Tinkerbell are going to be killed!
Tilly and Rosy come up with the plan to hide their pets in a secret den in the woods.
When other children find out about the den and ask for their animals to be kept there as well, the Emergency Zoo forms.
Disaster strikes. Tinkerbell is dead. Luckily, Rosy finds another kitten.
Things are complex now there is only one question left:
WHO WILL LOOK AFTER THE PETS WHEN THE CHILDREN ARE EVACUATED?
March 6, 2025
I Love Emergency Zoo, it's average of only 4 stars makes me laugh. It desereves way more credit . If your looking for an entertaining , sad , amusing , adventure book then this is 100% the one for you . A clasic war time book by Miriam Halamy . This book took me so long to finish , I never wanted to end . Personally I am not a big on reading , at all but as a 10 year old who just started history , I love it . I can't stop talking about it and if you manage to find a book as high quality as Emergrncy Zoo consider
Yourself incredibly lucky . The first dozen pages are slow but I garante this book is worth every last penny of yur life earnings .
Yourself incredibly lucky . The first dozen pages are slow but I garante this book is worth every last penny of yur life earnings .
December 29, 2022
This book is set the world war 2 when all the pet are being put down Tilly and her best friend Rosy crate a secret zoo for all the neighbourhood kids pets away from all the grown ups but when she is getting evacuated because of war Tilly need to find someone who will protect the pets and the zoo. I really enjoyed this book,thanks for reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
“The war’s like a fiery dragon or a monster with no face, she thought with a shiver. It’s going to eat us all up and there’ll be nothing left.”
A lovely yet dark, child-friendly look at what the preparations for war were like from the point of view of children. I would have adored this book as a child!
A lovely yet dark, child-friendly look at what the preparations for war were like from the point of view of children. I would have adored this book as a child!
October 16, 2023
I will say that at the time I purchased it online from Book outlet I imagined this being a YA book, however it was for even younger readers, but still a good story about courage and resourcefulness of young ones when faced with an impossible situation.
October 14, 2019
I didn’t like how the book ended on a cliff hanger and how you didn’t know what happened after the war and if the pets were saved and if the kids were reunited with their families.
October 18, 2019
The Emergency Zoo was an engaging read aloud for the children (ages 5-13). Halahmy's historical details were a catalyst for discussions about conditions leading up to and during WWII.
January 28, 2020
I totally overlooked this event in history, eyeopening :0
June 26, 2020
Interesting insight into WW2 and pets. Perspective is easy to follow. A nice and easy read for all.
June 3, 2021
Beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, wonderfully written historical fiction for younger readers. The way loyalty and friendship is portrayed in this book is so wonderful.
September 8, 2021
The premise for this story is fascinating, but I felt that the execution did not quite do justice to it. I have read many children's books set in WWII, and this one failed to make the grade for me. My principal complaints are related to dialogue and plot pacing. I feel that tension was lacking and could have been built up more skillfully, and that the interaction between the characters did not seem very realistic. I know that the content represents a different era, but some of the speech felt positively cringeworthy. Overall, it is still a good book with a healthy message, but it was not as compelling as When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle, which explores a similar topic.
July 15, 2022
Amazing
August 20, 2022
İkinci Dünya Savaşı’nın eşiğinde Avrupa ve Londra’da hayvanlarını ölümden kurtarmaya çalışan bir grup çocuk… İnsanoğlu bu dünyayı hak etmiyor dedirten etkileyici bir roman.
December 20, 2022
This is a re-read from 2019. I really enjoyed this book.
"Whatever happens in this war, you can't black out the stars."
April 1, 2025
Voto: 3.5
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Want to read
October 17, 2023Genre - Pre historical
One thing I really liked about this book was the perseverance which is shown. Perseverance is shown in this sentence ‘We have to find a way Tills, we have to.’ The two main characters, Tilly and Rosy showed perseverance throughout the book. From saving two animals, to saving many, and sacrificing their relationship between them and their family members is what stood out to me the most. Perseverance is very important in life, as there are many things that will knock you down. The author used the quote in the book to show the two girls weren’t going to give up, no matter what stood in the way. Perseverance should be talked about as one of the main skills we humans have, because if you just give up after one knock-down what are you going to achieve in life? Society today is mainly taught simple manners and values, like respect, and kindness, but in every-day situations, it wouldn't be possible to complete many tasks without perseverance.
One thing I really liked about this book was the perseverance which is shown. Perseverance is shown in this sentence ‘We have to find a way Tills, we have to.’ The two main characters, Tilly and Rosy showed perseverance throughout the book. From saving two animals, to saving many, and sacrificing their relationship between them and their family members is what stood out to me the most. Perseverance is very important in life, as there are many things that will knock you down. The author used the quote in the book to show the two girls weren’t going to give up, no matter what stood in the way. Perseverance should be talked about as one of the main skills we humans have, because if you just give up after one knock-down what are you going to achieve in life? Society today is mainly taught simple manners and values, like respect, and kindness, but in every-day situations, it wouldn't be possible to complete many tasks without perseverance.
June 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book but at some points I was a bit confused at parts since I think they weren’t explained as well-overall I enjoy it.
September 13, 2016
Good Children's book
April 17, 2017
A fairly good read (some odd bits, Rosy is once Rosie) but lacks depth in some ways.
The events are over around a week - and it always seems like there should be more to it (The cats in the story are very strange cats it has to be said, behaviour wise with added random cat death, for reasons? ) and a lot is in there (look poor kids! and all the dad's served in WWI! And a convienent rich family!) where it could have been less and explored better.
Also, for some reason no one in the girls area was in the group who refused to kill their pets (though London is recognised as being the main place where the cull happened on mass, one illustration that not everyone was like that would have been good) and no impression is given of any adult attachment to animals besides the one rich lady.
But it is generally a good read, and would give a child reader a broad idea of what happened, with relatively relatable characters. Just a little foreshortened.
The events are over around a week - and it always seems like there should be more to it (The cats in the story are very strange cats it has to be said, behaviour wise with added random cat death, for reasons? ) and a lot is in there (look poor kids! and all the dad's served in WWI! And a convienent rich family!) where it could have been less and explored better.
Also, for some reason no one in the girls area was in the group who refused to kill their pets (though London is recognised as being the main place where the cull happened on mass, one illustration that not everyone was like that would have been good) and no impression is given of any adult attachment to animals besides the one rich lady.
But it is generally a good read, and would give a child reader a broad idea of what happened, with relatively relatable characters. Just a little foreshortened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2018
What a beautiful book from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it even made me shed a tear or two a couple of times. If you’re an animal lover, you must read this story.
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