The Dog Who Loved a Queen

Animal Stars #2

by Jackie French

History comes alive through the eyes of special animals. To outsiders, Mary is a queen and a threat, but to her devoted dog Folly, she is his world

To the world outside her luxurious prison, Mary Queen of Scots was either a shameless beauty who killed her husband, or the rightful Queen of England and Scotland, tragically held captive by Elizabeth I. But to the dog who loved her, Mary was simply his mistress, and the centre of his world. While Mary desperately plotted to seize both her freedom and the throne, her dog Folly's world is one of chasing mice behind the tapestries and enjoying turkey legs with quinces for supper. Until the day comes when they try to take his Queen away ... Based on the true story of the dog who was with Mary when she died, the Dog Who Loved a Queen is a fascinating tale of religious bigotry, plots and passion - and the unquestioning loyalty of a small Scottish terrier.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Animals

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dog Who Loved A Queen is generally a great book, but I especially liked that it was from the dog's point of view. This book gives a good idea of who Mary,Queen of Scots was through the thoughts of her Scottish Terrier, Folly.

[Buvini H · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMYGODARNAVOCADOS this book is amazing. I had not read for a while and I picked this off my bookcase while I was bored. I literally got no sleep that night. I had to force myself to turn off the lamp because I had class the next day. This book is one of the sweetest and most depressing books ever (in a good way). It has so many twists and turns and you feel so much a part of the protagonist's life as he enjoys the simple pleasures of feasting with the Queen, chasing mice and crunching on the hard shells of beetles who crawl around inside the mattress. This book is short and bittersweet. If you are looking for a good read, with complex characters who you think you know, an intriguing air of mystery that keeps you on edge, and a love story between a master and a very loyal little Terrier, this is the book for you. May all your reads be good ones!! Buv, out :)

[Jessica King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a quick warning that my 11yr old wide reader who isn't fazed by much found the ending of this book very traumatic. I would really suggest parents read this themselves first rather than judging by the recommended age range!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5

[C C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Folly. He’s a dog.

[Stephanie Isaacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book and good introduction to history for young readers in spite of the tragic history of Mary Queen of Scots.

[Liz Kean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed 'The Dog Who Loved a Queen' so much more that I expected. What I loved most about this book was the rich descriptions of life in the 1500's from a dogs perspective. There were lots of descriptions of smells, tastes and types of food (as well as poo and bottom smells that had me giggling). Also included in the book are maps, family trees and extra information that allows you to read more about Mary Queen of Scotts and Queen Elizabeth if you want to.

Jackie French has a skillful way of making historic events come alive. I recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs, history, plots, and toilet humour.


Teacher notes:
Field: historic fiction
Tenor: dog is the storyteller
Mode: recounting events, conversations, feelings (sad, confused), and experience (smells, tastes)

[Akhila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read many animal stories before, but I do love the genre.
What I find, whenever I read/watch something about history is that there is always a certain way the historic events and figures will be presented, towards the presenter's liking. There's a lot of historical content even though it's from the viewpoint of Mary's dog, which I love. I like the afterword or the pages after the story because it provides a backing for the story even more so because it is historical fiction.
It's a sweet little book, Jackie Ffrench's Oracle I have also read and she writes about history well. I didn't doubt that this was from the perspective of a dog.

[Robynsview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie French is one of my favourite authors for kids and she's done it again with this book. Presenting the tragic story of Mary Queens of Scots through the eyes of her dog, Folly, is a clever way to introduce 8-14 year old to the period and the events. Her notes at the end of the story explain that whilst she has compressed some of the intrigues of the time to make it less confusing for the reader, the story is otherwise historically accurate. I knew the basic framework of the story but had no idea of the central role of her dog is the final act. Dog lovers and young lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this.

[Velma · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does life look like from a dog's viewpoint? The life of Mary Stuart (1542-1587), Queen of Scots, is told through the eyes of Folly, her Scottish terrier. In so doing, the customs, foods, political and religious intriques of the time are revealed. Targeted at 9-15 year old readers, animal-lovers of all ages will enjoy this book. French strives for historical accuracy and provides relevant maps, family trees and research details to satisfy history buffs as well.

[VB]

i havent read it yet but would love to

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An historical adventurous book. I highly recommend it to all ages.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book it is sad but the end was sattifiying

[Hayley Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful very heart whelming especially for a dog lover like me. It made me cry many times and that says something i almost never cry when i read a book!!!

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another tear jerker, that poor dog

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first few books that I read by Jackie French. I remember falling in love with the beautiful pup and I cried so much when the queen was beheaded.

[Madison Duxfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jackie French her books are amazing