So often, stories of war focus on the impact on people and nations. Like When the Sky Falls, While the Storm Rages explores what happened to the animals when war reached British shores. They weren’t welcome in air raid shelters, the bombs would terrify them and there would be hardly enough food for people, let alone cats and dogs. What the government didn’t consider in their advice was the passion of children for their pets. One of the most important things in the world to a child is their canine or feline companion. To these little people (and many adults as well), these creatures are so much more than animals – they are members of the family, loved fiercely and protected above all else. This story is a horror of war children will understand. While the Storm Rages is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children's Book of the Year, winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children's Fiction, winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. This is a book that starts as a crazy idea by Noah, and builds momentum until you simply cannot put it down. I'm not a huge animal lover, but the assorted animals in this book become characters in their own right and the reader is rooting for their success, along with the children. Noah has made a deal. Winn must be kept safe. There is no way he is going to break it, rules or no rules.

While the Storm Rages - ReadingZone

Writing the final scene was special. I'd dreamt about it for a long time. And the anticipation felt palpable to me, really emotional. I think I'm as proud of that chapter as anything I've ever written. I can't say any more without spoilers!! Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and finds himself living with reclusive widower Thomas Oakley. To save your most cherished person, you would do anything. Emotional and beautifully written. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Fantastic. Dealing with all the animals is a mission in itself, let alone avoiding trouble on the filthy waters of the Thames and the police on the riverbanks. A snake needs to be kept warm. Dogs and kittens need food and water, as does an often cantankerous donkey. But these animals are all important parts of their plan and their escape to a rumoured animal haven.An extraordinary story . . . Deeply felt, movingly written,a remarkable achievement’ Michael Morpurgo Phil grew up in Hull and has had a number of jobs including working in pubs and travel agencies, and as a care worker in a residential kids home. He then worked in the children's section of a bookshop and started to try to write for children, before he began working in publishing. He now lives in West Yorkshire with his partner and three children and tries to write 500 words every day. While the Storm Rages is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children's Book of the Year, winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children's Fiction, winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. September 1939. The world is on the brink of war. I’m working on a middle grade historical fiction book myself and so have recently bought up a number of recently published ones to learn from. Hands down this is the best one I’ve read so far.

While the Storm Rages – Books For Keeps While the Storm Rages – Books For Keeps

If you have ever owned and loved a pet you will understand the plight that all domestic animal owners faced during World War II.

I have to be honest and say I'm not a big one for research. I'm impatient to get writing, and I'm a pretty reluctant reader, or at least a very choosy one. If I'm researching I tend to go to documentaries or films. I did do a lot of googling of London in the Blitz, which was really useful. I really like working from visual things like photos. It concludes with an ending that will bring a tear to many readers’ eyes. Recommended for upper KS2. eARC received from Andersen Press via NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. This title releases on the 2nd June 2022.

While The Storm Rages - Andersen Press While The Storm Rages - Andersen Press

Another stunning read from one of the most authentic storytellers writing for children today' Lesley Parr, author of The Valley of Lost Secrets This month we’re delighted to bring you a thrilling and emotional adventure set at the start of the Second World War with our September book club title, While the Storm Rages by Phil Earle (Andersen Press), to enjoy in a book club setting – whether with friends, family or your school mates. Author Guy Bass introduces SCRAP, about one robot who tried to protect the humans on his planet against an army of robots. Now the humans need his... It is 1939, and as Noah’s dad leaves to go to war he makes Noah promise to keep their family dog safe. Yet the government advises people to have their pets put down in readiness for the chaos of war, and when Noah himself faced with evacuation he decides to run away. Together with his two friends, they take their pets and head for Windsor in search of an animal-loving Duchess.

I really enjoyed reading this - the pacing and tone of the book was so perfectly balanced. Noah was such a likable voice - he had such a big heart with such a lightness to his view of life. He was faced with a difficult trial, but Phil Earle kept his youthful spirit alive with funny quips that you couldn't help but cheer along with him and pray that he'd be successful in his endeavors, particularly this one scene, where he attempted to keep his dog safe at a shelter, only to see the number of children already waiting in line Earle has a huge talent for writing realistic relationships full of the ups and downs of life. Noah is joined in his adventure with Clem, his clever best friend, and Big Col, the local school bully. Their dynamic was brilliantly fun. Noah has such a great sense of humour and wit, and he bounces off the others well. Not to forget the pets, of course, which add a sense of brevity to even serious situations (I mean, how could they not when you have a donkey!). Much like in 'When the Sky Falls', there are some very heavy themes in this book, as warned above. There are some more mature themes which may be upsetting to some readers, but they are handled with such tact and empathy. When he learns of the government recommendation to have pets put down before the bombs start falling, Noah is devastated. He adores Winn and is terrified that, if he breaks his promise to keep her safe, Dad may not return from the war. Noah hastily devises a plan to transport Winn – and as many other animals as he can – to safety.

WHILE THE STORM RAGES - Andersen Press WHILE THE STORM RAGES - Andersen Press

I had always known that during World War II, families in England sent their children away to the countryside to protect them from the fear of a bomb onslaught, but While the Storm Rages gave me an emotional glimpse into what happens to the beloved pets of these children, who have to make the difficult decision to leave them behind in the most unfathomable possible way. It showed a brutal side to war that I had never stopped to think about. With a light-hearted humorous but still heartfelt touch, Phil Earle swept me away on incredible adventure of one boy's fierce determination to protect the things that matter most to him. September 1939. The world is on the brink of war. As his dad marches off to fight, Noah makes him a promise, to keep their beloved family dog safe. PERFECT FOR: Chapter-by-chapter teaching resources with creative writing tasks and extra-curricular opportunities Suitable for a slightly younger audience than When the Sky Falls, children from Year 3 upwards would engage well with this story. There is so much scope for discussion. Was the government right in their advice? Should Noah have runaway with the animals? What would you do in this situation? Adults need to be aware that the book includes sensitively described animal death and parts of the adventure are quite tense. There is a real sadness that children may find challenging as they become a part of the story. This opportunity for the development of empathy will be powerful.This is a beautiful historical tale for middle grade readers. The daring and heroism of the three children is felt by the reader even if they don’t feel that way about themselves. i’ve been wanting to read this ever since i heard about it because my favourite childhood movie is ‘hotel for dogs’ which is about a group of teenagers / kids who go around new york city and save all the stray dogs so that they don’t get sent to the pound. i hoped that maybe this would have similar vibes since it’s about kids saving animals from being put down. it didn’t feel that similar but i still enjoyed reading something from the same kind of niche genre. i liked the setting and the misfit crew and the different animals we encountered - it was very sad which i didn’t expect , but the writing was so fast paced at times it didn’t let you process anything that happened as it had already moved onto the next thing so unfortunately it felt very rushed The country might be on the brink of war with Hitler’s Germany, but Noah and his friends have their own one to fight! A seemingly sweet act that any animal lover would do, has an underlying meaning, for as long as Winn (his faithful dog) is safe, then so will his dad be. When Noah’s father goes off to fight in the war Noah promises that he will look after their dog Winn. But how can he do that if he is evacuated to the country? Noah, like all his friends, are told their pets will have to be put down when they go away. There is no way that Noah will let that happen to Winn! Instead, Noah and his friends and their pets – including a pretty terrifying Python – take off on a leaky old boat travelling up the Thames to find the animals a place of safety. Can Noah keep his promise to his dad? It’s a journey of a lifetime and only the children’s resilience and passion for their animals and the right for them to stay alive can make it come true!