The Messenger

Two starred reviews!

Luminously illustrated and mostly wordless, this stirring debut picture book is a “masterwork of visual storytelling” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) inspired by the true stories of World War I messenger dogs and is a testament to courage and love in the face of great odds.

During World War I, messenger dogs acted as couriers on the battlefield, carrying vital messages between handlers and saving countless lives in the process. When a little girl hears the call for messenger dogs, she selflessly donates her beloved pet.

The dog and her new handler develop a close bond during their training. Together, they face fear and uncertainty over the course of the war, and when the handler gets injured on the frontlines, it’s his steadfast four-legged companion who comes to his rescue.

Moving and timeless, this picture book told in paneled illustrations celebrates the power of friendship and the bravery and determination of man’s best friend.