 It is the week before World War II in 1939 in England, and twelve-year-olds Rosy and Tilly try to outwit their families and the authorities by hiding their pets in a run-down hut in the woods. Other children bring their pets – rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and more, and the emergency zoo grows to be a real challenge for the girls. An added problem is that all the children are about to be evacuated to the countryside for safety. The story is inspired by the unspeakable and little known episode in British history when pets were to be destroyed because it was believed that the animals could not cope with bombs and gas and that, with rationing, there would not be enough food for them. Told from the viewpoint of children, this is a moving novel about courage, resourcefulness, and animal welfare. An author’s note gives historical background and explains that organizations such as the Dumb Animal League tried to save as many pets as possible. It is estimated that around 750,000 pets were destroyed in Britain. mjw |
| Title: The Emergency Zoo Author: Miriam Halahmy Publisher: Alma Books. Surry, U.K. Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-84688-397-2 Paperback pages: 254 Age range: 12 up Genre: Historical fiction Book setting: England Author’s residence: London, England Subjects: England, Evacuation, Pets, World War II, Zoo animals |
The Emergency Zoo
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