War Dog – Explore conflict & loyalty through a WW2 picture book

What's included?

PDF of cross-curricular ideas

Key Stage

KS1, KS2

Age

Years 1-6

Subjects

Hear the real-life story of Judy the dog, and explore the impact of conflict and loyalty with Tom Palmer’s moving historical novel, War Dog.

This PDF contains a range of cross-curricular activities for KS1 and KS2, all based on the book.

What is War Dog about?

War Dog was written by master of children’s historical fiction, Tom Palmer, and illustrated by the incredibly talented Carolina Rabei. It’s a beautiful account of the true story of Judy the dog.

Published just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, it shares this exceptional canine’s bravery during the Second World War.

Serving aboard naval ships, Judy was able to warn crews of incoming enemy aircraft. Eventually captured alongside the crew, she became the only animal to ever be officially registered as a Japanese prisoner of war.

Through her love, devotion and courage, she kept up morale and encouraged resilience for the entirety of her 14 years.

Awarded the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross), Judy has become an extraordinary story of war.

Why teach this book?

This stunning picture book is honest and extremely powerful. Judy is lovely, but she faces a horrific reality of enemy attacks, hunger, hiding from unfriendly soldiers, long marches and shipwreck.

Through it all, she remains devoted to the soldiers with whom she serves.

War Dog celebrates the intelligence and loyalty of all animals who work alongside service men and women in the midst of war.

Each gorgeously illustrated double-page spread contains so much to discuss. Teachers will be able to go as deep into the details as they wish – a more surface-level story for younger children or greater analysis and meaning for older learners.

As to be expected in a story of war, there are moments of real peril and heartbreak. Judy’s life is at risk, but her devotion and resilience in helping her crew saves her life again and again.

What will children do?

Explore key vocabulary from Judy’s medal citation and discuss word meanings.
Discuss WWII, courage and empathy through the story and its characters.
Analyse illustrations for texture, colour, light and emotion, then create their own artwork.
Research the true story of Judy, HMS Grasshopper and other heroic animals; create timelines, reports or posters.
Locate important places on maps and learn about the Pacific theatre of WWII.
Retell the story as a graphic novel with panels, dialogue and narration.
Design a medal for courage or other qualities and hold a class awards ceremony.

Kate Heap is a primary English consultant, author and children’s book reviewer. Her Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series provides teachers with high-quality, engaging texts and thought-provoking questions that will inspire young readers. Browse more of the best WW2 books to use in your classroom.