Stubby: A True Story of Friendship. Written and illustrated by Michael Foreman. Andersen Press USA, Thomas Allen and Son. 2019. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"The smell of cooking seems to attract all the stray dogs from miles around. One dog in particular seems to find me every time I settle down to my sausage and potatoes. He is an odd little dog with a flat face and short legs. I decide to call him Stubby. Now Stubby follows me everywhere. The other soldiers laugh when they see him marching along beside us ... "

With Remembrance Day one week away, I thought I would share this story from World War I. Children love stories where dogs are heroes, and Stubby is very deserving of that title.

It is the true story of a dog decorated for his role in the war that ended more than one hundred years ago, and it was published in England last year in commemoration of  the armistice that brought it to that end.

Stubby was a likeable stray who just happened to love the smell of food. He wandered into the training camp every time food was served and seemed particularly connected to one of the soldiers there. The story is told in Robert Conway's (Stubby's chosen friend) voice and chronicles the time the two spent together, from training camp in Connecticut to the battlefields of Europe, and back to the United States following the war. It is a unique and amazing friendship.

As you can imagine, their times together were not always good. As mascot for the regiment, Stubby accompanied the soldiers on their march to the front. Stubby is often subject to much appreciated attention in the villages they pass. Once at the front, Stubby proves his mettle. He is a great dog; he intercepts a spy, uses his sense of smell to warn of poison gas, gives warmth in cold trenches, and provides companionship during battle. Stubby is hurt once and must be hospitalized for six weeks. He happily returns to the troops when he has healed.

Armistice on November 11, 1918 allows a safe return and a hero's welcome for all, including Stubby who leads the parade.

"Peace is wonderful - but peace and quiet
will be even better. I am so thankful this
little stray dog found me."

An author's note provides additional information (and an archival photo) that readers will find uplifting!