War Dogs: Churchill and Rufus
Winston Churchill might have been known as the British Bulldog, but in truth he was best friends with a miniature poodle named Rufus. When WWII comes crashing down on London, the small dog bears witness to Churchill’s efforts as prime minister. Although the book is not told strictly from Rufus’ point of view, first-time author Selbert uses the dog as an identifier for readers. Her illustrations, which incorporate orange-brown tones similar to the color of the little poodle, have a softness about them that seems at odds with harsh wartime realities. But as the story works toward its conclusion, which is not so much about the end of the war, but how the two war dogs can finally rest, Selbert nicely shows the immense pleasure and support a human can take from a friendship with an animal. An author’s note at the end discusses Churchill’s long relationship with poodles, as well as a brief overview of Churchill’s place in history. There is also a time line of WWII and an impressive selection of further resources and sources consulted. Grades 2-4. --Kara Dean