Cobweb is a small, young dog, born on a Welsh farm near the sea. Only a man and his daughter named Bethan run this farm now after a terrible tragedy, and the girl takes Cobweb from the large litter to be her own. She is lonely and needs someone to talk to and to love, now that her father is also grumpy… and sad.

Bethan becomes Cobweb’s whole world, and they do everything together. Bethan’s dad isn’t keen about her keeping the puppy, as he can sell him as a drover’s dog – especially now that Cobweb has shown how fast a learner he is on the farm. But Bethan stands strong – Cobweb is hers.

All is finally settled. At least Bethan and Cobweb believe it is so. But another huge change hits this family, and it’s not to Bethan’s and Cobweb’s liking. Without warning, they are separated once again, and Cobweb is on his own.

He is about to go on a grand adventure. It’s hard work, a very very long way, and although it’s not like the bond he and Bethan share, he is cared for. Along the way, he becomes a skilled drover’s dog, meeting people and other dogs along the way. Some are friendly and some are not, but the two soldiers he met make a huge impression on him.

They have just returned from The Battle of Waterloo. Cobweb has heard many stories, and know many have lost their lives fighting the French general, but despite one of these men now blind from the battlefield, they have an amazing story to tell.

Little does Cobweb know that the subject of this story will make his life even happier than before.

Told in Cobweb’s point of view (read it to find why he’s called Cobweb), this new story from master storyteller Michael Morpurgo will melt your heart. Morpurgo’s animal stories are always touching, and his war ones deftly told – but when he blends the two together, it’s superb.

Set in 1815, in the time of Napoleon Bonaparte’s assault on England, these battles are part of the narrative but besides being in stories by soldiers, it is never the setting. Napoleon’s nickname is ‘Boney’ and there is much loss, but also bravery on both sides. One soldier becomes a key character in Cobweb’s dream to get home to his beloved owner.

A truly enjoyable tale of love – between a dog and his owner, loss of loved ones, a soldier’s story and an old drover’s dog needing a hand.

Author – Michael Morpurgo

Illustrator – Michael Foreman

Age – 7+

(2024, Harper Collins, Historical, Adventure, Animals, Courage, Family, Friendship, Grief, Secret, Dogs, Sheep, Cows, Drover Dogs, Droving, Wales to London, Waterloo, Napolean Bonaparte, 1815, War, Drummer Boy, Soldiers, Farm, Journey)