Judy was HMS Grasshopper’s ship’s mascot.

She kept an eye out for sailors who fell overboard, caught rats and had an amazing ability to detect incoming enemy aircraft and warn the sailors.

When the ship was attacked, Judy was on hand to warn the sailors, telling them to abandon ship. The survivors end up on an island but where was Judy? One brave sailor, made it back to the ship to rescue her. Unbeknownst to the sailor, Judy was pregnant and soon gave birth to puppies.

The commandant of the prisoner of war camp was so impressed by Judy, he made her an official prisoner of war and he was given one of the puppies.

Before long, the men were to be moved to a new camp and somehow they smuggled Judy along with them.

Tragedy strikes as this boat was also hit and the dog helped to guide sailors to floating pieces of wood.

When they finally reached land, the enemy soldiers wanted to throw Judy back into the water but miraculously she was saved by the commandant who insisted she was a prisoner of war and must be protected as such.

Did Judy reconnect with Frank and could her spirit help the other prisoners of war?

An almost unbelievable, true story of the bravery and loyalty shown by one dog amidst the terrors of war.

Tom Palmer’s compassionate and caring storytelling reminds us of  the horrors of war but also the hope, bravery and loyalty of not only the humans but the animals who were embroiled in it too.

As the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day on the 15th of August comes upon us, this book is a valuable tool to help remember those who fought for freedom.

The illustrations by Carolina Rabei are sympathetic to the story in their soft palette and Judy looks like a dog we would all love to be by our side!

With factual back matter about Judy and her story in addition to some more amazing animals and their incredible deeds during the war, this book will provide plenty of opportunities for discussion.

Thank you very much to Scholastic for the review copy.

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