The Dog Who Saved the World

by Ross Welford

When eleven-year-old Georgie befriends an eccentric retired scientist, she becomes the test subject for a thrilling new experiment: a virtual-reality 3D version of the future.

But then a deadly disease threatens the life of every dog in the country and Georgie’s beloved dog, Mr Mash, gets sick. And that’s only the start of her troubles.

Soon, Georgie and Mr Mash must embark on a desperate quest: to save every dog on earth, and maybe even all of humanity …

… without actually leaving the room.

An extraordinary quest with the biggest stakes of all, and a huge idea at its heart, this is time travel – but not as you know it.

Genres: Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Contemporary, Animals

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2019

About the author

Ross Welford is a British author of fantastic children's fiction.

Reviews

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale of courage, dogs, family, friends and time travel. Although, it's many years since I was the age this book is aimed at. I can remember the types of books I read then and this would have been one.

Georgie and Ramzy are lovely characters, their friendship is strong and means everything to them, as friends do at this age. They both have distinctive, realistic voices and give this story its heart.

Dr Pretorius is a strange woman, seen through the children's eyes, she is the person their parents warned them not to trust but she has a magical quality that draws them in. Although Georgie and Ramzy disobey their parent's rules it is clear from this story they understand the value of them.

The time travelling element of the story is fun and frightening for the intrepid pair and is entertaining reading. Family life as perceived by children is explored and again gives the story its humour and poignancy.

Georgie's love of animals and particularly dogs makes this story relatable to most children. The prospect of losing your doggy best friend, and dogs disappearing from the earth is a sobering thought. Not surprisingly the children are courageous and sometimes foolhardy to stop this horror becoming reality.

There are adult issues alluded to and explored in this story, some of which children and most adults may find disturbing and sad, but these are seen in news programmes daily and this book deals with them sensitively, and allows a positive conclusion with the introduction of fantasy and time travel.

I enjoyed this book and I will enjoy reading it to my grandson when he's older. It is fun, realistic and full of exciting imagery that allows you to see the problems of today in a futuristic way.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Children's Books via Net Galley in return for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so brilliant I devoured it in one sitting!

A mix of adventure and science fiction, The Dog Who Saved The World follows eleven-year-old Georgie as she sets off on a quest to save her beloved dog, Mr Mash from a terrible fate. For a deadly disease is sweeping across the world, a danger to dogs and humans alike, and now humanity’s only hopes lies in finding a cure that does not yet exist… unless like Georgie, you happen to know a mad-scientist who has a prototype, glitch-ridden time machine… what could possibly go wrong?

I’m not usually a fan of time travel stories, but I loved everything about this one. With just a pinch of imagination, Ross Welford made the idea of jumping to the future seem very possible, without going into great depth about the actual mechanics of it all. Plus the idea of a future with no dogs in it really tugged at my heartstrings, and with such high stakes I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

The main characters, Georgie and her best friend, Ramzy are such a fun pair. Their friendship has such solid touchstones of trust and respect, despite the utter difference in their upbringings. Then there is Dr Pretorious, the mad genius behind it all. Her humour really helped level out some of the more serious elements in the story and her personality is so huge it lights up every page.

However all the secondary characters each have their own zing about them. From crazy aunts, to moody older brothers, sweet vicars and sharp tongued police. I adore that every character (be they two legged or four) gets their own distinct voice.

When it came to the plot though, Ross Welford is a master story teller. Between the layers of heart pounding, tear spiking and edge-of-your-seat fiction, the author weaves many sensitive issues into his work. However he presents everything in a relatable, child friendly way without pushing any opinions onto the reader. It’s inspiring how he can open your mind to world, making you consider all the people and animals that share this planet with us and the problems others face. Even without the awesome writing I would applaud him for this alone!

All in all, Ross Welford is one on my favourite, auto buy authors for a reason. Not only are his books all stand alone reads, but each one is set in the North-East of England (In and around the towns I was actually born and raised, winning him extra points with me!).

His latest book, The Dog Who Saved The World was yet another gripping read full of fun, adventure and futuristic spark! An easy 5 Stars!

[Justine Laismith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This middle grade book is about a girl who loves dogs but is unable to keep one because of her step-mother's allergies. So she volunteers at a local animal shelter.

What I like about this book is how the author subtly incorporates diversity in his characters; simply by giving them names and dropping a little backstory along the way. He has also cleverly given our readers two female STEM role models to aspire to. Dr Pretorius is a programmer and Jessica is a biologist. I also like the way he portrays Dr Pretorius; that no matter how old you are, you can still make an impact to society. Even for the secondary characters Clem and Jackson, I can't help but love them for who they are. For these reasons, I rate it 4*.

I don't follow this TV series, but from the little I've seen, over a different actors, Dr Pretorius reminds me of Dr Who. She is intense; intelligent, knows a lot, but very intense. When she appeared in the story, she simply came along and swept the story along to where it had to go. While this was in her character, it made me nervous how she easily got the children involved. Stranger-danger kept flashing in my mind. Georgie and Ramzy are too old not to be wary of entering a stranger's house.

Then there is the vicar who knew what they had done and did nothing to stop them. My head was screaming, 'If the pandemic was that virulent, then any responsible adult would have stepped in! Blindly trusting misguided

[livvy taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finally finished my book my favourite part was when georgie went into the future and enjoyed it very much.i would recommend it.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral dystopia, virtual reality time travel and dogs. Clever, unsettling and expects some maturity from its readers.

All of Welford's novels for children have expected the reader to be able to cope with some element of darkness. Each has impressed me, and this latest adds to a catalogue of sophisticated stories for KS2/KS3-aged young people.

Multiple issues mesh nicely in this story of a girl and her adopted dog, as a canine-carried virus begins to take hold of the world, just as Georgie and her best friend meet a scientist who needs them to test a virtual reality experiment that can take them into the projected future.

This kind of dystopic vision is common in teenage literature, to place it into a juvenile novel is brave and daring, but Welford has shown excellent judgment with similarly grown-up issues previously.

The world of Mr Mash, the adopted dog who inadvertently becomes key to the global pandemic that could kill both dogs and humans, is our own, and scarily so, as we watch the start of a virus. Our King has a Jack Russell - it is our world but not quite. Georgie narrates the story from her future ("Right, I think you're nearly caught up, in terms of the things you need to know."), giving us hope that all will end well, allowing us to feel a connection with the story and characters.

She's a smart one, Georgie. Realistically unhappy about her dad's girlfriend Jessica, unashamedly adoring of Mr Mash, appreciative of her best friend and his own issues, she's a very normal-sounding girl. Readers will empathise with her mistakes, and what she has to go through, how brave she has to be. Ramzy too, her best friend, is a well-rounded boy who jumps off the page - and as an immigrant with a protective family, is good to see in a book as a positive role model.

Quite an exciting story, one you need to concentrate on as well, with adult characters that aren't just there as wallpaper. I can picture this as a film, it will be refreshing to see this type of genre aimed at a family market.

All Welford's standalones are excellent thoughtful stories for capable readers. 'The Dog' will be enjoyed by readers who like science themes, end-of-the-world scenarios, friendship and adventurous plots. For ages 9-14.

With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a massive fan of Ross Welford’s work and this is another hit that I’d just let slide down my to-read list. A lovely genuine friendship between Georgie and Ramzy - Ramzy will literally go through dogsh*t for his best mate but is strong enough to stand up to Georgie when they disagree. They know they are doing the wrong thing when they agree to go to the strange lady’s house at the start of the book but along with other situations throughout, this doesn’t stop them and I think as a read aloud this presents lots of opportunities for discussion. Some pretty gripping and uncomfortable moments and although in the current pandemic climate the concept may be a bit too close for comfort, if your class can cope with it, I would recommend as a 5/6 read aloud.

[Tee Klass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was an interesting read. The author did a great job with character development. It was easy to relate to the characters. Weird fact, SO MANY parallels to the Covid pandemic even though the book was published just a few months before it began. Perhaps he really does have a time machine!
:P However, there were some parts that needed further explanation. Also, it drags a bit in the middle.

[Emma Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, it was after I finished this that I realised it was published before COVID. Previous to that realisation, it was hitting a bit close to home and I felt that it being a virus originating from china was a bit on the nose. However, I liked the friendship and characters, though the actual story gets pretty dark. Definitely not recommended if you don't like to read about animal death. Maybe in light of COVID, maybe for ages 12 up? Depending on the kid of course

[Kyle Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story that saw me finish the book in a matter of hours.

[Kirsty Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book from Ross welford but not my favourite in the ones he has written so far. Time travelling with my hamster is by far the best.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my final book of 2018, and this sci-fi adventure was a lovely way to finish off my reading year. It`s the story of a dog-obsessed girl named Georgie and what happens when every dog in the world- including her beloved pet Mr Mash- become infected with a deadly virus, and she must enter the future via a virtual reality machine created by an elderly eccentric scientist she has become involved with recently in order to save not just Mr Mash, but everyone in the world. Georgie is a fabulous character with a unique and funny voice, and I liked her a lot for many reasons, but most of all for her unswerving love for dogs and desperation to protect them throughout. Her relationship with Mr Mash is incredibly touching, and I also loved the loyal friendship she shared with Ramsay, as well as finding her rather complicated with Jess super interesting. Other than the characters, I thought the book was really well paced and I often found myself saying just one more chapter every time I picked it up. Also, I really appreciated how well the science elements were explained, as I often struggle to understand books that feature it heavily, and though the concept of this was pretty difficult to wrap my head around, I actually managed to grasp it and could follow everything that was going on. There are some incredibly sad moments and I was very worried while I was reading, but there is also a lot of comic relief and some lovely relationships between the characters to add some lightness. This is a really quirky and enjoyable read, and I`m looking forward to picking up some of Ross Welford`s back catalogue now. 4.5/5

[XOX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgie is a person who loves dog. She got one rescue dog Mr Mash but loss him when Jessica, her dad’s girlfriend was found allergic.

There was a dangerous illness spreading to the dog population. Order was made to kill dogs. Georgie and her best friend Ramzy has to save the dogs.

There was this scientist who ask them to participate in a virtual reality experiment.

Two things got together and the adventure begins.

Good for children and adults.

5 stars. Reading this for Plague and Disease square for Halloween bingo.

[Johanna. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome.

[Lucy Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the best book ever it kept getting weirder and weirder but in a really good day and things you would never ever expect happened like I mean never expect

[Rhenee Wilde♧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

...
First things first: Ramzy Rahman has my heart.♡

I liked this story, a lot.

Very original.Also,loved the vibes.
The descriptions were simple and the book ,in general, was easy to read .I borrowed this book from a friend and I'm glad that I did so.

P.S:♡.

[Lacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my favourite book so far I have read my favourite part about this book is the part where he saves the world.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed, I cried and I recognized my own dog in Mr Marsh, as she’s getting older. An endearing cast of characters. I found the relationship between Georgina and her stepmom interesting. This was my first Ross Welford book but definitely not the last. Adding this to my classroom library wish list!

[Shazza Maddog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel in a used book shop in Newtonmore, Scotland, while on holiday. With a title like this, I couldn't pass it up, plus, time travel!

Our heroine, Georgie, lives with her teenage brother, Clem, her Dad, and her Dad's girlfriend, Jessica, in a small town with a beach that used to be a tourist area but now is mostly forgotten. Georgie's best friend is Ramzy, a refuge along with his Dad and Aunt Nush. Ramzy is poor but Georgie is oblivious to it, as well as other things as a 12-year-old girl probably is. Both she and Ramzy volunteer at St. Woof's, a vicarage that's been decommissioned and is now a home for dogs. Georgie's dog, Mr. Mash, lives there as Jessica's terribly allergic, and Georgie goes regularly with Ramzy to walk and play with the dogs.

When Mr. Mash eats the swimming cap of a strange woman at the beach, Georgie and Ramzy are thrown into a weird adventure, as the woman is a scientist building what might be the world's most amazing sensory-surround game. As the kids come regularly to visit Dr. Pretorius, they learn she's working on a machine that could possibly foretell the future. Unfortunately, the machine has its own hiccups - namely, giant killer scorpions led by the original scorpion named 'Buster' - and while Georgie and Ramzy can't be affected by anything else in the game, Buster's stings are very, very real...and very very dangerous.

In the real world, something terrible has happened - a plague involving dogs, Canine Ebola, has popped up and is transferring to humans. Any dog showing symptoms is automatically killed. Any dog running loose is considered a stray is shot by the police. And the vicarage, St. Woof's, is probably where the local version of Canine Ebola starts...and Georgie has to rescue Mr. Mash before he's euthanized, too...

Can time-traveling help Georgie and Mr. Mash? Or will Buster the Scorpion and his family cause even more problems?

A fun book definitely and one that's scary as the Canine Ebola could possibly happen. Even as an adult reading this story, I felt tense and concerned, even though I suspected a happy ending to round up the story. There are some character deaths - dog friends of Georgie's - which would probably upset anyone (I know it upset me).

[BooksForTopics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Ross Welford’s other children’s books have no doubt come to expect from his stories a good dose of time travel, technology-gone-wrong or an otherwise thrilling sci-fi twist, and his new book The Dog Who Saved the World follows suit perfectly.

Georgie Santos loves dogs more than anything in the world. When Dad’s new girlfriend Jessica moves in, Georgie’s beloved dog Mr Mash is forced to move out because of Jessica’s pet allergies. Unimpressed, Georgie volunteers to help out at the dog shelter where Mr Mash is rehoused, but is soon no longer allowed to see him after a deadly and highly contagious disease threatens the life of every dog in the country and to her horror, Mr Mash himself becomes sick.

The only thing distracting Georgie from the pain of not being able to see Mr Mash is her new friendship with Dr Pretorius, an eccentric old scientist who is developing a curious virtual reality project inside a domed room. Georgie knows that trusting Dr Pretorius is a huge risk (in fact I hope that all young readers would know better than to befriend a strange adult in the way that Georgie does), but she is intrigued by the impressive technology and allows herself to become a test subject. As time goes on and the deadly disease becomes even more serious, Georgie begins to wonder whether Dr Pretorius might hold the key to changing the future and, together with her beloved Mr Mash, embarks on a hair-raising adventure to save the world.

Well-pitched for the crossover between Upper KS2 and Lower KS3, The Dog Who Saved The World is an intelligent and absorbing story that raises thought-provoking questions about responsible use of new or under-tested technologies. As well as the thrilling sci-fi concept and impending sense of global disaster, there is also humour and a great deal of tenderness, especially in Georgie's relationships with her family and friends.

A highly-recommended story for readers who love to expect the unexpected.

Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.

[Elke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch war Neuland für mich: ich hatte keine Ahnung was mich erwartet. Das quietschbunte Cover, das sofort an einen Comic erinnert, und die kurze Zusammenfassung suggerieren eine fantastisch überdrehte, chaotische Geschichte. Hoffentlich nicht zu albern, nicht zu kitschig, nicht zu unglaubwürdig. Experiment geglückt: das Buch hat mich überzeugt, dass es sich lohnt, auch mal etwas Neues auszuprobieren. Anfangs hatte ich so meine Schwierigkeiten mit der Erzählweise und musste mich erst in die Gedankenwelt der erzählenden elfjährigen Georgie hineinfinden, aber dann wurde es mächtig spannend und die Seiten flogen nur so dahin.

Die Geschichte ist so verrückt wie genial und wer alles fein logisch aufdröseln muss wird vielleicht keine große Freude daran haben, denn manche Ereignisse sind wirklich haarsträubend und mehr als fragwürdig, bieten aber auch viele interessante Was-Wäre-Wenn Momente und Zukunftsspinnereien, die zum Nachdenken anregen. Die Charaktere sind merkwürdig und skurril, aber gleichzeitig, trotzdem oder gerade deswegen äußerst liebenswert. Wobei mir die Georgie, die Hauptperson, in ihrer dem Alter zwar entsprechenden, aber trotzdem manchmal nervigen Ich-bezogenen naiven Sicht der Welt weitaus weniger gefiel als ihr absolut loyaler, erfindungsreicher und abenteuerlustiger Freund Ramzy. Immer wenn die Handlung ernstere Töne anzuschlagen droht, passiert etwas völlig unvorhergesehenes, das die Stimmung wieder hebt. Obwohl Armut und eine tödliche Seuche durchaus bildlich thematisiert werden, strahlt das ganze Buch ein unerschütterliches Am-Ende-wird-alles-gut Gefühl aus. Die Frage ist lediglich, was auf der Reise dorthin alles passieren wird, und das ist wirklich einiges: riskante Entführungsmanöver, rasante Verfolgungsjagden, gefährliche VR-Experimente - dieses Buch steckt voller Überraschungen.

Dies war für mich das erste Buch eines bis dato unbekannten Autors, umso überraschter war ich zu sehen dass er bereits einige andere Titel veröffentlicht hat, die allerdings bisher spurlos an mir vorüber gegangen sind - das muss ich jetzt auf jeden Fall ändern. Den 'Hund der die Welt rettet' kann ich jedenfalls nur empfehlen.

[Sarah Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 2019, before the global Covid-19 pandemic, and it was incredibly interesting (and at times moving) to read it today in 2022. Although the blurb talks about our heroes, Georgie and her dog Mr Mash, experiencing virtual time travelling with the help of a mad scientist in order to save the day, the heart of the book looks at how the world reacts to a new, deadly, fast-spreading global disease and how it changes people’s lives. In this book the virus is CBE, canine-bourne ebola, a disease originating in China that at first spreads through dogs before human cases begin appearing and causing fatalities. There were many eerie parallels to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the children talking about not having known the virus’s name a few days ago to it being all over the news; government curfews forcing people and their pets to stay indoors; masks and gloves being worn in public for fear of infection spreading; the struggle of Gerogie’s step-mum, a bioscientist, and guilt she feels in not being able to find a cure quickly - the list of similarities could go on and on despite having been written before the pandemic. But through all of that, it is still an incredibly engaging read and not at all doom-and-gloom, despite knowing what we now do about how the world really copes with such a threat, with well written characters who respond in very believable ways to the situations they are faced with. Of course, with the exception of using a virtual time travelling machine to bring a cure to the present! A chapter book for children aged year 5/6 and over, this book could definitely be used as a vehicle for discussing how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed all of our lives, and how just like the characters in the book it is important to try and overcome our obstacles and stick together in tough times. A very interesting read that I would highly recommend, as the author had no way of knowing just how relevant it would become!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Who Saved the World is an epic, well-written, and adventurous novel. This book is set in a world where a virus, known as the CBE (Canine-Born Ebola) starts to affect dogs, humans' best friends.

The main character, Georgie, with her friend Ramzy, meets a strange woman called Dr. Pretorius, who asks them to help test out her projects. When the CBE virus starts, people have begun to avoid dogs, and even the king declared that any dogs on the street will be shot and killed. Georgie doesn't want all of the dogs to be killed, and one of her favorite dogs, Mr. Mash, might be killed too. She takes Dr. Pretorius's offer to test her project on seeing the future and tries to find a cure for CBE. Then everything starts to unravel.

"Only by acting now can we hope to prevail against this deadly disease. Accordingly, my government has this evening issued emergency instructions. With immediate effect, all dogs are to be kept indoors until further instructions are issued. That includes working dogs and assistance dogs as well as domestic pets. Dogs seen outside — and that includes private gardens and enclosed spaces — will be regarded as strays. Specialist police and army marksmen will, from tonight, be patrolling the streets of our cities and villages. They have been given orders to shoot such animals."
- The King, The Dog Who Saved the World

In conclusion, The Dog Who Saved the World is a great novel, which includes rebelling and love for our furry little friends. Dog lovers and Science Fiction readers should read this book.

[Book Gannet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot more serious than I expected. The cute title and original cutesy blurb (which has since been changed) fooled me into thinking this was a light-hearted adventure tale. Instead it’s a thought-provoking time-travelling story set in the not-too-distant future, where a deadly disease threatens not just humanity, but every beloved pet dog as well.

I liked all the characters involved, and loved the little details here and there that made even the less positive ones seem well-rounded and interesting. I also loved the pro-women STEM aspects, which is always great to see in children’s fiction.

It is slow to get going, though. Even after Dr. Pretorius is introduced and Georgie starts helping with her ultimate virtual-reality machine, it still takes a long time for things to happen. This might put off less confident readers, but a bit of patience is rewarded.

When the sci-fi plot really kicks in, with disease and danger threatening all that Georgie loves, it becomes pretty heart-wrenching, especially for anyone who loves dogs. There is a bit of fun to be had in the final few chapters, but mostly this is a serious tale, with its sci-fi elements only just beyond the realms of possibility. It’s about bravery and loyalty and taking risks for those we love. Perfect for young sci-fi fans. (I have to go hug my dogs now.)

(ARC provided by the publisher via Amazon Vine.)

[Rhyllis Bignell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the near future Ross Welford’s ‘The Dog Who Saved the World’ takes us on a fast-paced journey into the world of virtual reality and time travel.

Eleven-year-old Georgie lives in Whitley Bay with her dad, brother Clem and dad’s girlfriend, Jessica. Unfortunately, Jessica is allergic to Georgie’s rescue dog Mr Mash and he’s returned to St Woof’s dog shelter. Jessica volunteers at the shelter and loves to take Mr Mash on beach walks joined by Ramzy Rahman her best friend. Their lives change forever when Georgie’s over exuberant animal knocks an old lady down, eats her swim cap and scratches her watch. Little did they know; this encounter was a master plan devised by Dr Emilia Pretorius who needs the assistance of Georgie and Ramzy to test her secret project. She also demands that they don’t tell their parents- alarm bells should be ringing!

The doctor is an eccentric genius, she’s built a VR machine capable of sending people into the future. Some of the trips become quite scary, a giant scorpion attacks them and split-second decision-making is needed. At the same time, a deadly canine disease sweeps across the country and Georgie's pet, Mr Mash, falls ill. Georgie and her dog are both needed to save the world.
Welford’s ‘The Dog who saved the World’ is fantastical, scientific, dramatic even humorous. He builds the tension and drama as he sends his feisty protagonist into the future to find answers needed for the current issues. Realistic emotions underpin the narrative, family relationships, friendships and the special bond between a girl and her loved pet make this an exciting novel for readers. Shared with an Upper Primary class, there are engaging discussion points and research links, with changing the laws of quantum physics, scientific espionage, future travel and the impact of global deadly diseases.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anfangs war ich noch recht skeptisch bei diesem Buch, vor allem weil mir einige Situationen und Figuren eher suspekt waren. Allerdings sind mir diese im Laufe der Geschichte allesamt ans Herz gewachsen.
Der Spannungsaufbau ist wunderbar gelungen und zieht sich bis zum Ende hin durch, wird aber von einem gelungenen Ende abgerundet.
Das Thema der Geschichte ist ja doch sehr aktuell, sowohl die ausgebrochenen Seuche als auch die neue Computer Technik, die Anfangs mehr wie eine Spinnerei scheint, zum Ende hin aber immer nützlicher wird.
Die komplizierten technischen Vorgänge kann man beim Lesen super verstehen, da sie sehr leicht erklärt sind, was definitiv nicht ganz einfach zu schreiben ist.
Den Titel finde ich leider etwas irreführend, dabei habe ich an einen ganz anderen Verlauf der Geschichte gedacht, auch wenn er im Nachhinein betrachtet doch Sinn Macht.
Das Cover ist sehr gut gelungen und hat mich direkt angesprochen, also alles in allem war ich wirklich begeistert von dem Buch und kann es nur empfehlen.

[Eileen]

DNF. No star review because I didn't finish this book. I got through 30 pages while waiting at the dentist. I'm not prereading (10yo Marc finished it already) so I'm returning it to the library. (Did it earn an extra star from you, Marc? Not so much.)

I was very turned off by this exchange on page 24:

I half raised my hand and said 'Listen, I don't mean to be rude but you say don't tell anyone, but we don't know you, and...'
She stared at me, unblinking, and her large glasses seemed to magnify her pale eyes.
There's a rule, honey, and know that you know it: if a grown-up you hardly know asks you to keep a secret from mom and pop, it is always a bad idea.'
I nodded, wishing she'd stop staring, but I was unable to take my eyes away.
'It's a cast-iron rule', she said. I nodded again, and swallowed. 'Which I'm going to ask you to break.'
She let this sink in. 'See you at six this evening.'

It might be brilliant, but add that giant red flag to the to the aggressively 'American' accent of one of the main characters and I think this one isn't for me.

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2019
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: future, fantasy
Summary w/ themes: This book was an adventure. Georgie met a mad scientist and managed to go into the future. Once back in the present, word got around about a canine borne ebola virus and it is determined that all strays and dogs in the shelter need to be killed to stop it from spreading. Georgie, her friend, her dog, and a mad scientist go on an adventure to the future to see if they can obtain the cure for disease, so all dogs don't have to be put down.
Use for future classroom: I think this would just be a book that I would keep on my classroom bookshelf if anything.
Thoughts of book: This book was a little odd, but I found myself getting into it the more that I found out what was happening. I think there were a lot of plot twists that I didn't expect (but then again I didn't know what to expect because I have never read a book about virtual reality), but I enjoyed the ending.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ususal Ross Welford collection of madcap characters in a Geordie setting (my Geordie accent is getting good now!).

The main criticism I'll make of this is the narrative falls apart and becomes a bit strained and illogical. Now that happens in some of his other ones as well as he likes to stretch the boundaries (which is what makes them exciting) but it seems more noticeable in this one. The ending feels very hap-hazard and I dunno I just felt there was a better story to be told here. with a cleaner narrative.

Perhaps we are comparing this one unfavourably to the Time Travelling Hamster. It was good but maybe felt as bit derrivative and we're looking at the law of diminishign returns. Not sure how many more Geordie-based kids time-travelling novels he's got left in him! All in all a solid 3, maybe even a 3.5 but just lacking the oomph of some of his previous ones we've read

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful novel about friendship, dogs, loyalty, and saving-the-world, set against the backdrop of a canine-born Ebola virus. As usual, Welford expertly weaves a novel that is part-realistic, part-scifi, and all-heart. This was certainly an enjoyable read, though I didn't connect with it as I have some of Welford's other novels (especially Time Travelling with a Hamster and The 1,000-year-old Boy). Definitely one that I will be recommending to younger readers!

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't quite what I expected, but still a good read. I'd like to read more of Ross' work.
It took a while to get into this book. It kept jumping around in time frame and foreshadowing in ways that didn't really work for me.
I would still recommend this book to kids, though.
In this story, the dogs at Georgie's (the narrator's) favourite shelter become infected with "dog flu" because she doesn't follow quarantine protocols. The disease spreads, threatening humans and dogs.
At the same time, Georgie and her friend, Ramzy, have become part of an experiment for sending people into the future via a virtual reality machine created by an eccentric recluse.
Georgie ends up going into the future and bringing back the cure.