Darling, Mercy Dog of World War I (Dog Chronicles)
#1 in Dog Chronicles Series
What’s inside...
A World War I canine hero saves the day in this action-packed, heartwarming story. When the British military asks for dogs to help the war effort, Darling's family reluctantly sends her to be trained as a mercy dog. Through gunfire and poisonous gases, it's Darling's job to find injured soldiers on the battlefield and fetch help from the medics. After saving the lives of numerous soldiers, Darling suddenly finds herself in need of rescue. Will she ever make it back to England? This wartime adventure is a touching and exciting introduction to World War I. Darling's story of bravery and devotion reminds readers that dogs can be so much more than pets. The Dog Chronicles series features fast-paced, fascinating historical fiction about working dogs, perfect for readers who love books.
Discussion points
What qualities make Mercy a brave and loyal dog during difficult times?
How do the relationships between Mercy and the soldiers develop throughout the story?
What emotions did you feel while reading about Mercy’s adventures and challenges?
Why is mercy important in times of conflict and war?
How does the story of Mercy help us understand the role of animals in human history?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at climactic moments in the story to discuss what your child thinks might happen next and why.
Encourage your child to relate the themes of bravery and loyalty to their own experiences with pets or in their daily life.
Discuss the historical context of World War I, focusing on how animals like Mercy were heroes too.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the emotions they felt during the story and any real-world scenarios they're aware of, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Highlight the moral lessons learned from Mercy’s actions and decisions, prompting your child to reflect on what they would do in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The story illustrates the bravery of Mercy, a dog serving in World War I, who risks her own safety to help soldiers on the battlefield.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for others, showing courage in everyday situations like defending a classmate or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and Dedication
Explanation: Mercy's unwavering dedication to her handlers and the soldiers showcases the importance of being loyal and steadfast in relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by showing loyalty to friends and family members, sticking by them in times of need and being reliable companions.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: Despite the harsh conditions of war, Mercy demonstrates compassion for the wounded soldiers, caring for and comforting them.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, helping friends or family members who are upset or hurt.
Example Lesson: The impact of War
Explanation: Through Mercy’s experiences, the book provides insight into the realities of war, highlighting both the physical and emotional toll it takes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the significance of peace and encourage them to value and promote harmony in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Mercy collaborates with other dogs and humans to accomplish crucial tasks during the war, emphasizing the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with others in group tasks at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can achieve greater results than working individually.