It is late August 1939: Britain is on the brink of war, and preparations are under way to evacuate London's children to the countryside. When twelve-year-old Tilly and her best friend Rosy find out that they will not be able to take their beloved dog and cat with them - and that, even worse, their pets will, along with countless other animals, be taken to the vet to be put down - they decide to take action. The two girls come up with the idea of hiding them in a derelict hut in the woods and, when other children find out and start bringing their rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, their secret den turns into an emergency zoo. Inspired by real events during the Second World War, Miriam Halahmy's novel is a touching tale of courage, resourcefulness and camaraderie in desperate times, as well as a stirring defence of animal welfare.

What happened to the animals before and during the war is glossed over. This book fills perfectly a gap in children's war literature and it's a subtle fable about asylum seekers.

About the Author
Miriam Halahmy is an author and a poet. She has published four novels and three collections of poetry, as well as short stories and education resources. Her Y.A. novel, HIDDEN, was a Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. It has recently been staged in a small Paris theatre.

Reviews
A tremendous book for a gentle exploration of one small facet of the Second World War. * Minerva Reads *
Miriam Halahmy has written a warm and touching story of friendship, courage and loyalty. A lovely and moving book. Highly recommended for 10+. * The Historical Novel Society *
Inspired by real events during the Second World War, this is a touching tale of courage, resourcefulness and camaraderie in desperate times. * Junior News & Mail *
This is a sympathetic and moving story of a side of war that doesn't receive much attention and fills a gap in children's war literature. * Childtastic Books *
This book is sure to be enjoyed by animal-lovers, history enthusiasts and fans of children outsmarting the grown-ups. * The Library Girl and Book Boy *
A classic den-in-the-woods adventure for age nine to 12 and a subtle fable about asylum seekers * The Jewish Chronicle *
A tautly written and compelling novel, it is a stirring defence of animal welfare * The Lady Magazine *
It's a story that needed to be told - what happened to animals before and during the war is glossed over. By telling the story in such a compassionate manner, from the viewpoint of children, the author has enlightened us and given us a new understanding * Parents in Touch *
A winning formula of war, animals and friendship * Inis Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781846883972
Author Miriam Halahmy
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Alma Books Ltd
Publisher Alma Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 234g