The Emergency Zoo

by Miriam Halahmy

★★★★

Review

This book is inspired by real events in WW2 and shares strength of the children who faced such a horrific and heartbreaking experience. As an animal lover, I was touched by the storyline from the very start of the book and couldn't bring myself to put this book down until I knew what happened to those poor animals. While this story does contain some heartbreak (readers, beware!), it shares a powerful message of friendship and determination, and is bound to warm your heart for many different reasons.

Those of you who know me will also understand my personal connection to the book after finding out that Tilly's lovely dog is called Bonny. After learning this, I couldn't help but picture myself in her shoes and think of the extremes that I would go to in order to save my Bonnie from the same fate (even if she does drive me nuts sometimes... as I type this, she is pawing my arm in hopes of another walk!).

The Emergency Zoo is another story that I happened to stumble upon by accident and has become a real treasure in my bookcase. If you love animals, or are interested in reading about the second world war from a child's point of view, this is definitely a book that you should read. Just make sure that you have a packet of tissues just in case!

Diver Deeper

Key information

Author: Miriam Halahmy

Illustrator: Leo Nickolls

Release Date: 26th May 2016

Book type: Chapter, 250 pages, paperback

Star rating: ★★★★

Reader level: Confident reader (8+)

Overview

Set in London in 1939, The Emergency Zoo follows the heartbreaking story of a young girl, Tilly, and her friends in their desperate attempts to rescue the village pets from the harsh realities of war. As the start of WW2 looms, Tilly learns that her beloved dog, Bonny, is going to be killed along with the rest of the animals in London to save them from the horrors of war. Devastated at the thought of losing her best friend, Tilly leads a group of local children in a mission to build a secret emergency zoo where their pets can be hidden until the war is over. Before long, the secret den is overflowing with hamsters, snakes, dogs, cats and many more... but how can they keep the adults from finding out?

Despite her best efforts, the war continues to threaten London, and it is soon time for Tilly to leave the city in search for safety. She couldn't possibly bring the pets, but can't bear to leave them behind. As her friends begin their evacuation, Tilly is offered a small glimmer of hope, but saving the animals for good will not be easy. To save their lives, she must lie to her parents, sneak out of town and beg for help from an unsuspecting victim. But are they willing to offer their help in such a challenging time...?

Spoiler Alert!

Around half way through the book, Rosy's cat Tinkerbell dies. This part is a little heartwrenching and I did shed a tear, so please beware if reading with children.

Content Warning

This book contains the honest reality of parents and families under the strain of a war. During an argument about evacuating, Tilly's Dad slaps her leg in rage.

Also, this story speaks of Hitler, the Nazi party, and the treatment of the Jewish community. This is not explicit, but follow up discussions may be required for any readers who are curious about these events.

Should I read this book?

You should read this book if you...

love animals

enjoy stories that are set in WW2

like stories of friendship and family

Reader level: Growing reader

Content: 8+

Help me read

World War 2: World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Alongside its allies, Britain fought against Germany, Poland and Italy