Bobby is a bright yellow canary, looked after by a young soldier called Jack. Jack is part of a team of tunnel diggers in World War I. Bobby’s job is to alert Jack and his fellow soldiers if the air is dangerous. Again and again Bobby saves their lives, but at terrible danger to his tiny lungs and heart. How many more times will Bobby survive?

A heart wrenching but beautiful story of a soldier and a tiny bird and their bond. This sophisticated picture book portrays the endless mud, and dirt and digging done in order to tunnel underneath the enemy.

Canary’s were often used as alarms to any poisonous gases in the underground, as a small amount would make them fall off their perch.

The illustrations share with the reader the endless work in the dark with only lanterns, the fear of explosions, cave ins and close calls. Camaraderie is strong among the soldiers and faith in Bobby grows every time he saves their lives. In the rear of the book is more about this form of warfare and of Bobby himself. 

Author – Glyn Harper

Illustrator – Jenny Cooper

Sophisticated Picture Book

Teacher’s notes here

(War, WWI, World War I, Canary, Bird, Tunnel, Gas, Soldiers, True Story, Warning, Royal Engineers, Historical)