Posted by Jane McMorland Hunter on October 5th, 2021

I am writing this blog sitting in a café on the water’s edge, under a tropical umbrella, surrounded by colourful blooms. The water in question is the River Thames and the blooms are plastic but it is still a pleasant setting in which to work. I was trying to decide which book to write about when a black Labrador launched himself into the water after a tennis ball. His joy and exuberance made me understand why people have dogs – an extraordinary discovery for the confirmed cat-lover that I have always been. So I shall write about my favourite dogs in children’s stories.

Sheila Burnford, The Incredible Journey

This is the classic story of two dogs and a cat and the incredible journey they embarked upon across the wilds of Canada. Bodger an elderly bull terrier, Luath a young Labrador and Tao a Siamese cat live happily with Jim Hunter and his family but when Jim has to go to work England for nine months the pets have to be left behind. Rather than being split up in kennels and a cattery the animals go to live with Jim’s friend John Longridge, who lives in an old stone house in the remote countryside of north-west Ontario, two hundred and fifty miles away. Luath never settles, always yearning for his master and, towards the end of their stay, takes his chance to leave and walk home – regardless of the distance or dangers. Without question Bodger and Tao accompany him. Their journey takes them across the harshest wilderness, bringing them into contact with people who help or threaten them, with moments of pure joy and times of extreme hardship and danger. As they travel autumn tips towards winter and their quest sometimes seems impossible. What is incredible about the journey is not so much the distance but the bond between the animals: Luath leads, cajoles and encourages his companions, Tao hunts for them and Bodger shows a strength and determination that surprises everyone. It is a story of bravery, adventure and loyalty. If you want to know whether they were united with Jim and his family you’ll have to read the book.

Carlie Sorosiak, I, Cosmo

I Cosmo is written by a golden retriever. He is a charming writer and anyone who has ever met a golden retriever will instantly recognise him. The story is told from his point of view, describing his delights, embarrassments (would you want to wear a turtle costume?) and often hilarious confusions. He is thirteen, eighty-two in human years, and wants nothing more than to keep his family safe, especially twelve-year-old Max. He takes his responsibilities as head of the family very seriously, only occasionally being sidetracked by interesting smells and discarded pizza crusts. He likes watching television, particularly the Discovery Channel and the film Grease - he’d love to be able to dance. Sadly his family don’t dance any more and he and Max become increasingly worried that they’ll be separated. Then there seems to be a solution, a distant hope that he and Max might be able to do something that will keep them together. This is a heart-warming story and will probably have you rushing to the nearest retriever breeder.

Claire Fayers, Storm Hound

Storm of Odin is a hound Wild Hunt – the terror of the skies. Unfortunately on his first Wild Hunt he falls through a cloud and lands in a field in Wales – where the sheep laugh at him. In his mind he is still a noble hound to be revered and feared but in reality he has become a very cute puppy. Myth and magic collide when he is rescued by Jessie but finds himself being chased by three evil professors, a strange woman on a motorbike and a boy who can transform into a hare. Or is that a hare who can transform into a boy? This is Storm’s diary of his confusing time on earth; it is exciting, magical and very funny.