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Moon Dog
A heart-warming animal tale of bravery and friendship between a lost boy, a daring girl and the dog next door - from an author celebrated for her honest, heartfelt and inclusive stories.
Marcus and Delilah couldn't be more different.
He is as big as she is tiny. As angry and lost as she is tremendous and brave.
But they share a dream: to own a dog of their own.
So when a mystery pup turns up in the empty house next door, Marcus can't believe his luck. He visits him every night and names him Moon Dog.
But it's soon clear that Moon Dog is in danger, and when Marcus and Delilah discover a dark secret it will test their bravery and their friendship.
Can they work together to save their dream dog?
Marcus and Delilah couldn't be more different.
He is as big as she is tiny. As angry and lost as she is tremendous and brave.
But they share a dream: to own a dog of their own.
So when a mystery pup turns up in the empty house next door, Marcus can't believe his luck. He visits him every night and names him Moon Dog.
But it's soon clear that Moon Dog is in danger, and when Marcus and Delilah discover a dark secret it will test their bravery and their friendship.
Can they work together to save their dream dog?
- GenresAnimals
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2020
5 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 9, 2020
This story was such a tear-jerker!
I immediately knew I would love it when I saw a dog on the front cover and I wasn’t disappointed. A compelling tale of two friends who gravitate towards one another because of their love of animals. They solve a mystery involving a large dog who lives next door to Marcus. So many moments of happiness and joy and a fair few moments that were completely heart breaking! For me, the plot hit home (I won’t spoil it), but my family went through something similar to Delilah and it is a hard thing to accept.
Marcus was a completely loveable goof and I felt so incredibly sorry for him when the other boys kept trying to make him join their gang. Delilah was fierce and feisty and her desire to be thought of as bigger than herself was incredibly important.
I fully sobbed at this one, and I loved it so much.
I immediately knew I would love it when I saw a dog on the front cover and I wasn’t disappointed. A compelling tale of two friends who gravitate towards one another because of their love of animals. They solve a mystery involving a large dog who lives next door to Marcus. So many moments of happiness and joy and a fair few moments that were completely heart breaking! For me, the plot hit home (I won’t spoil it), but my family went through something similar to Delilah and it is a hard thing to accept.
Marcus was a completely loveable goof and I felt so incredibly sorry for him when the other boys kept trying to make him join their gang. Delilah was fierce and feisty and her desire to be thought of as bigger than herself was incredibly important.
I fully sobbed at this one, and I loved it so much.
August 22, 2020
Moon Dog by Jane Elson is a story about two children who are just about as different as they can be. They share a sadness that draws them together and find that they both long to own their own dog. I would recommend this book for children in the Middle Grade fiction age range of 8-12 but used with some sensitivity for children who have experienced similar situations (no spoilers!) in their lives. I was lucky enough to be gifted an e-ARC of the book by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Marcus is a big clumsy boy with an answer for everything, he has no friends at school but is a likeable character who has lost his way. Delilah is a tiny human with a fiery passionate nature. From a mixed race back ground, she fights her own battles and will not be seen as weak despite the recent trauma her family has suffered. The two children's characters are so well crafted and fleshed out with a superb supporting cast that help the reader to fully understand their situation and reasons for their actions without becoming too contrived. I loved Nanna Sparrow - everyone needs a Nanna Sparrow in their lives!
In Moon Dog, Jane does not shy away from tackling difficult subjects and writes with great sensitivity and heartfelt truth from her own experiences. The acknowledgements section clearly explains why Jane includes the subject material she does and allows for further exploration and wider reading that may also help children come to terms with their own personal situations and arising emotions. Her writing is hugely engaging, skilfully switching between the two characters with ease allowing empathy to develop with the reader. I was drawn into the book quickly and did not want to put it down until I had completed their journey (which does come to a satisfying end restoring faith in human nature). There are some emotive chapters towards the end so have the tissues to hand just in case.
I have never read anything by Jane Elson before and asked for this ARC based on a recommendation from a fellow Twitter reader. I am glad I did and will definitely be looking at her other four titles:
A Roomful of Chocolate
How to Fly with Broken Wings
Swimming to the Moon
Will you Catch Me?
She is a gifted author and one to have on the shelves of every KS2 bookshelf for many different reasons. Moon Dog was a superb read and was over with far too soon.
Marcus is a big clumsy boy with an answer for everything, he has no friends at school but is a likeable character who has lost his way. Delilah is a tiny human with a fiery passionate nature. From a mixed race back ground, she fights her own battles and will not be seen as weak despite the recent trauma her family has suffered. The two children's characters are so well crafted and fleshed out with a superb supporting cast that help the reader to fully understand their situation and reasons for their actions without becoming too contrived. I loved Nanna Sparrow - everyone needs a Nanna Sparrow in their lives!
In Moon Dog, Jane does not shy away from tackling difficult subjects and writes with great sensitivity and heartfelt truth from her own experiences. The acknowledgements section clearly explains why Jane includes the subject material she does and allows for further exploration and wider reading that may also help children come to terms with their own personal situations and arising emotions. Her writing is hugely engaging, skilfully switching between the two characters with ease allowing empathy to develop with the reader. I was drawn into the book quickly and did not want to put it down until I had completed their journey (which does come to a satisfying end restoring faith in human nature). There are some emotive chapters towards the end so have the tissues to hand just in case.
I have never read anything by Jane Elson before and asked for this ARC based on a recommendation from a fellow Twitter reader. I am glad I did and will definitely be looking at her other four titles:
A Roomful of Chocolate
How to Fly with Broken Wings
Swimming to the Moon
Will you Catch Me?
She is a gifted author and one to have on the shelves of every KS2 bookshelf for many different reasons. Moon Dog was a superb read and was over with far too soon.
February 2, 2021
A story of friendship and good over evil.
January 16, 2021
This is one of those books which blew me away... I wasn't really expecting it to be as good as it was... and as a result it has packed quite a punch.
Marcus and Delilah form an unlikely friendship when they realise that they both have a love of dogs in common. Marcus is big and burly and the local gang of thugs are after him to be in their gang. Delilah is tiny and feisty and sad after her dad was killed in a car crash.
This could just be a story about their friendship and their need to have their own dog to love - and be loved. But is also the story of the illegal puppy farm trade, which sees unscrupulous characters breeding puppies in terrible conditions to make a quick profit. Marcus and Delilah uncover a puppy farm business and so do their utmost to get the criminals caught and brought to justice.
The story is not without some very emotional moments, but there is also humour and joy, and I particularly like Marcus' Nana Sparrow, who is hard case!
This will appeal to lovers of animal fiction, but also those who like realistic stories and mystery/adventure stories!
Marcus and Delilah form an unlikely friendship when they realise that they both have a love of dogs in common. Marcus is big and burly and the local gang of thugs are after him to be in their gang. Delilah is tiny and feisty and sad after her dad was killed in a car crash.
This could just be a story about their friendship and their need to have their own dog to love - and be loved. But is also the story of the illegal puppy farm trade, which sees unscrupulous characters breeding puppies in terrible conditions to make a quick profit. Marcus and Delilah uncover a puppy farm business and so do their utmost to get the criminals caught and brought to justice.
The story is not without some very emotional moments, but there is also humour and joy, and I particularly like Marcus' Nana Sparrow, who is hard case!
This will appeal to lovers of animal fiction, but also those who like realistic stories and mystery/adventure stories!
August 12, 2020
Moon Dog is a book which has the honour of what is rarely categorised as being an undiscovered little gem. This book can be identified by all ages as being something which is considered to be relevant not only to the target audience of children, but also ages which are older and have gone through similar events throughout their own childhoods. It is an idea which appeals to most people throughout life, as there are so many people who have had the same fantasy of owning a dog when we were children ourselves.
The main characters are secondary school kids named Marcus and Delilah. They are shown to have many varying differences, but the thing that connects them is their love of dogs and how they both wish for one themselves.
However, the main plotline is based on a Newfoundland dog which Marcus names Moon Dog. Moon Dog herself can be seen to be a little bit of a mystery as she only seems to appear at night with the same men next door which is said to unoccupied. This is truly an informative piece for children, as it deals with some of the heart-breaking effects that there possibly would be to adopting a dog and how to go about doing this. It is a message which deals with a real and ongoing problem which should be understood by all and how to deal with such a problem if ever it arises. Marcus seems like the clever young boy who questions what can be seen to be right and to get the right information before taking big decisions. The book clearly states the message throughout: adopt, don't shop. However, the subject matter can be seen to be very distressing for some, so it would probably be best for a mature child on the age range.
This is truly a book that makes you laugh, smile and cry all at the same time without you noticing that you are doing it. The characters for instance, are so well-rounded and everything they thought, the joy and pain that they both go through, you feel every single ounce of it. No wonder they have both come to love dogs so much as they are a true unconditional friend no matter the age!
Therefore, I believe that this book in particular should be recommended to all children who are questioning or are thinking about asking for a dog themselves. This is so they can see the benefits of adopting but also the possible risks of shopping for one as well. However, it also shows when reading a book like this, anyone should realise, no matter the age, that hope is only round the corner! In this case, I shall give this gem a five star rating.
The main characters are secondary school kids named Marcus and Delilah. They are shown to have many varying differences, but the thing that connects them is their love of dogs and how they both wish for one themselves.
However, the main plotline is based on a Newfoundland dog which Marcus names Moon Dog. Moon Dog herself can be seen to be a little bit of a mystery as she only seems to appear at night with the same men next door which is said to unoccupied. This is truly an informative piece for children, as it deals with some of the heart-breaking effects that there possibly would be to adopting a dog and how to go about doing this. It is a message which deals with a real and ongoing problem which should be understood by all and how to deal with such a problem if ever it arises. Marcus seems like the clever young boy who questions what can be seen to be right and to get the right information before taking big decisions. The book clearly states the message throughout: adopt, don't shop. However, the subject matter can be seen to be very distressing for some, so it would probably be best for a mature child on the age range.
This is truly a book that makes you laugh, smile and cry all at the same time without you noticing that you are doing it. The characters for instance, are so well-rounded and everything they thought, the joy and pain that they both go through, you feel every single ounce of it. No wonder they have both come to love dogs so much as they are a true unconditional friend no matter the age!
Therefore, I believe that this book in particular should be recommended to all children who are questioning or are thinking about asking for a dog themselves. This is so they can see the benefits of adopting but also the possible risks of shopping for one as well. However, it also shows when reading a book like this, anyone should realise, no matter the age, that hope is only round the corner! In this case, I shall give this gem a five star rating.
August 20, 2020
I knew that this book was going to be wonderful as soon as I opened it and saw #adoptdontshop. I was quite right, Jane Elson has written a marvellous story for children aged 9 to 11 which carries a multitude of themes and rescue animals lies at the heart of the matter.
The story deals with Marcus, abandoned by his mother, his father suffering from serious depression as a result of the breakup, being brought up by his grandmother. He is lonely and has no friends at school, then Delilah, whose much loved father was killed in an accident, arrives at the school and the two dog crazy children make friends. The story continues with a dog who appears and disappears in the garden of the unsold house next door to Marcus and the plot thickens.
Any child would become involved in this story which deals with themes that are not uncommon and the mystery aspects are brilliant, leading the reader through exciting situations. I love the way that Jane Elson has dealt with all the complex emotions which children have to deal with at young ages and brings in really important messages about caring for fellow creatures whether they have four legs or two.
This book is a modern classic perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo. Very, very highly recommended
The story deals with Marcus, abandoned by his mother, his father suffering from serious depression as a result of the breakup, being brought up by his grandmother. He is lonely and has no friends at school, then Delilah, whose much loved father was killed in an accident, arrives at the school and the two dog crazy children make friends. The story continues with a dog who appears and disappears in the garden of the unsold house next door to Marcus and the plot thickens.
Any child would become involved in this story which deals with themes that are not uncommon and the mystery aspects are brilliant, leading the reader through exciting situations. I love the way that Jane Elson has dealt with all the complex emotions which children have to deal with at young ages and brings in really important messages about caring for fellow creatures whether they have four legs or two.
This book is a modern classic perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo. Very, very highly recommended
August 7, 2020
I loved the cover and description of this children's book, but I'm not sure I'd have opted to read it if I'd known exactly what it was about, as it's very distressing and indeed heartbreaking at times - suffice to say that the dog next door isn't the only dog who needs saving in this book.
That said, it has an important message and it wouldn't be possible to adequately convey that message without going in hard at times. Nevertheless, I think if I'd read it when I was the target age, I'd have been traumatised!
The story follows Marcus and Delilah, who are opposites in some ways - most obviously in that he's incredibly tall and she's extremely tiny - but they have far more in common than divides them. Both are brave, caring and resourceful, both have difficulties at home, and most of all, both adore dogs and long for a dog of their own. When a new dog appears in the garden of the house next door to Marcus - who he names "Moon Dog" and who doesn't appear to be particularly well cared for by the two men who appear to come and go - the children start to uncover some unpleasant truths...
A very readable story with a powerful message.
That said, it has an important message and it wouldn't be possible to adequately convey that message without going in hard at times. Nevertheless, I think if I'd read it when I was the target age, I'd have been traumatised!
The story follows Marcus and Delilah, who are opposites in some ways - most obviously in that he's incredibly tall and she's extremely tiny - but they have far more in common than divides them. Both are brave, caring and resourceful, both have difficulties at home, and most of all, both adore dogs and long for a dog of their own. When a new dog appears in the garden of the house next door to Marcus - who he names "Moon Dog" and who doesn't appear to be particularly well cared for by the two men who appear to come and go - the children start to uncover some unpleasant truths...
A very readable story with a powerful message.
Read
February 7, 2022It was easy to get through, but because I'm not the target demographic, I would give it a 3 stars. As a kid/for a kid, I would give this a 4 stars. It has a great subject matter, talks about a wider and more important topics, has morals etc.
Themes/major plot points in Moon Dog:
× Depression / member of family depressed
× Parent Abandonment
× Proper treatment of animals / animal neglect
× Staying away from gangs / not giving in to peer pressure
× Grief / parent/dog death
× Encouragement of rescuing animals instead of buying
× Unlikely friendship
× Care & support (of friends & animals)
× Informative about (signs of) Puppy Farming
× Mystery/uncovering/put more and more pieces together
× Duel perspectives
× Diversity
× Helicopter Parent
- Slightly unrealistic dad depression
*Was not prepared for how kind of dark the book gets at one point. You definitely would have to know the triggers before stepping into this, because it might make a kid more informed but may also make them very upset. **May also make a kid really passionate though too, and realise they want to pursue a career/path with mistreat of/animals.
Themes/major plot points in Moon Dog:
× Depression / member of family depressed
× Parent Abandonment
× Proper treatment of animals / animal neglect
× Staying away from gangs / not giving in to peer pressure
× Grief / parent/dog death
× Encouragement of rescuing animals instead of buying
× Unlikely friendship
× Care & support (of friends & animals)
× Informative about (signs of) Puppy Farming
× Mystery/uncovering/put more and more pieces together
× Duel perspectives
× Diversity
× Helicopter Parent
- Slightly unrealistic dad depression
*Was not prepared for how kind of dark the book gets at one point. You definitely would have to know the triggers before stepping into this, because it might make a kid more informed but may also make them very upset. **May also make a kid really passionate though too, and realise they want to pursue a career/path with mistreat of/animals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
Moon Dog by Jane Elson is a powerful children’s novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is perfect for ages ten years and over, and also for animal lovers whatever your age.
The novel is about a large boy and a small girl. Both are eleven years old, both love dogs and both have lost a parent. Their similarities unite them more than their differences split them.
We witness the loneliness of not fitting in at school, the peer pressure and the bullies. We celebrate their friendship and bravery as they navigate their way through life.
Strange goings on next door to Marcus send him and Delilah to investigate. Here, they meet Moon Dog, and uncover much more than they imagined.
The chapters alternate between Marcus and Delilah and are in the first person. We get to know both children intimately. They are caring, loving individuals who are both grieving their losses. As we enter their world, we applaud their courage and love.
I absolutely adored Moon Dog. Jane Elson is a new author to me but having read two of her books I can honestly say I want more, more, more! I am enjoying sharing her books with my teenage granddaughters.
The novel is about a large boy and a small girl. Both are eleven years old, both love dogs and both have lost a parent. Their similarities unite them more than their differences split them.
We witness the loneliness of not fitting in at school, the peer pressure and the bullies. We celebrate their friendship and bravery as they navigate their way through life.
Strange goings on next door to Marcus send him and Delilah to investigate. Here, they meet Moon Dog, and uncover much more than they imagined.
The chapters alternate between Marcus and Delilah and are in the first person. We get to know both children intimately. They are caring, loving individuals who are both grieving their losses. As we enter their world, we applaud their courage and love.
I absolutely adored Moon Dog. Jane Elson is a new author to me but having read two of her books I can honestly say I want more, more, more! I am enjoying sharing her books with my teenage granddaughters.
February 15, 2024
As soon as my eyes landed on the dog's soulful gaze on the cover, I knew this story would tug at my heartstrings like a puppet master. And I was right. It's a poignant tale of two unlikely friends brought together by their deep-rooted love for animals, who embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious giant canine that lurks in their neighborhood. Through moments of pure unbridled joy and contagious happiness, their bond only grows stronger as they unravel the enigma piece by piece. But amidst all the laughter and warmth, there were also scenes that ripped my heart out and left me in tears. Scenes that struck a chord with me on a personal level as I too have experienced similar struggles in my own family. Marcus, with his endearing silliness and puppy-like loyalty, captured my heart from the very start and it broke every time he was rejected and ridiculed by his peers. And Delilah, with her unwavering determination and fierce independence, quickly became an inspirational figure to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
I know throwing chairs at windows is acceptable in some 'cultures', but no, it is not acceptable to do that in order to (only temporarily) get away from bullies. Even the author implicitly admits that punishing such behaviour is not the solution, as you can see from the subsequent events. After all, it is an utterly lazy approach that fails to even touch the real problem (which are the bullies). Why is it never dealt with? Why are other readers so satisfied with this book? Do they not realize that bullying and ill-treating animals are essentially the same malicious behaviour? Actually, I can tell you why; people ignore bullying for so long that bullies flourish and then people end up rationalizing this unacceptable situation as natural.
March 21, 2021
Very nice story interesting
October 25, 2021
What a fabulous middle-grade book! I loved this!
October 28, 2021
This book deals with some heart wrenching themes but as always Jane Elson deals with theme in an uplifting, positive way. You might have a little cry but you will end up cheering 😍📖😍
October 8, 2024
Such a fun read, very relaxing and chill but suspenseful in a light hearted way. Overall a great book about a cute friendship!
December 15, 2025
This book made me cry especially at the part at the end about Crayon the kitten and the puppy that died (I read it a while but I can’t remember that well)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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