Stubby: A True Story of Friendship

Stubby was a brave soldier, a loyal friend . . . and a dog. From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sergeant Stubby, the dog who served bravely in World War I--sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies, and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.

Based on the true story of an extraordinary dog's exploits in World War I, this fictionalized account is told by Stubby's human friend, Robert Conroy. The soldier recalls how he adopted the stray dog who wandered in to training camp and smuggled him on board a troop ship to France. In the trenches, Stubby put his excellent hearing and sense of smell to work to guard the troops, warn soldiers of impending gas attacks, and even catch a German spy. When Stubby was wounded by shrapnel, Conroy carried him from the battlefield so medics could tend to him. Not only did Conroy and Stubby survive but the dog was also hailed as a hero, leading a victory parade after their return to the United States. A photo of Stubby in his army jacket, which was sewn by French women and decorated with medals and badges, accompanies Foreman's historical note at the end. The illustrations depict wounded soldiers, bursting shells, and bleak trenches and landscapes, which may upset some young readers. Yet the violence is not overwhelming. In images of battles or peace time, Stubby is the focus, his friendly, alert face drawing readers into the narrative. Conroy's admiration for Stubby's loyalty, intelligence, and courage shines through this account of a unique friendship. Ann Bausum's Stubby the War Dog, a straightforward history for older readers, features numerous photographs for those wanting to learn more. Stubby has been the subject of other books, plus an animated movie released in 2018. VERDICT Although the centennial observances of World War I are complete, this compelling story of a brave dog and his soldier companion is a timeless tale of friendship worth considering for most collections.--starred, School Library Journal

In this affecting, poignant picture book, based on actual events during WWI, a soldier relates how a stray dog that found its way into boot camp became a beloved companion. Nicknamed Stubby (for his 'flat face and short legs'), the dog remains by the soldier's side throughout training, traveling overseas (Stubby snuck aboard), and enduring the trenches in France, where Stubby's keen senses also help detect approaching enemies or poison gas. But then soldier and Stubby are caught in an explosion. While Stubby is treated, they're separated, but eventually they're reunited and spend the rest of the war and years after together. Expressive, detailed color-washed illustrations depict lighthearted scenes (Stubby saluting an officer with his paw) as well as dramatic ones, such as soldiers and Stubby in gas masks. This offers an accessible, engaging approach to a high-interest topic, using descriptive first-person prose and lively, eloquent touches that effectively convey Stubby's and the soldiers' experiences, their enduring bond, and why Stubby became a well-known inspiration to many. An afterword fills in more background on the hero dog.--Booklist

This true story of a stray dog that became a decorated war hero was first published in England to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. The smell of cooking attracts many stray dogs to the soldiers' training camp, but one particular dog finds one particular soldier, and the two become inseparable. 'An odd little dog with a flat face and short legs, ' he is dubbed Stubby. Endearingly portrayed with big eyes and a let's-play expression, Stubby goes off to Europe with his new soldier friend, the unnamed narrator of the story. Stubby marches, holes up in trenches, becomes a guard dog, wears a gas mask, and is injured on the battlefield. Stubby goes home a hero and leads the great victory parade, wagging his hero's tail in this hero's tale. Though he has created a darling of a canine protagonist, Foreman doesn't shy away from the realities of war, vividly depicting villages in ruins, bullets 'zipping and whistling around, ' injured soldiers, and Stubby himself 'covered in mud and blood, his eyes full of pain.' Except for an occasional face in a cheering crowd, all characters are white. While Foreman makes the tale universal, the backmatter fills in specific details: The soldier's name was Robert Conroy, the training camp was in Connecticut, and the fighting was in France. A heartwarming tale indeed.--Kirkus Reviews