Bernie Pickerell

Andy Bigginton

School children from Kent were among the first to review a new series of children’s books from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The books are inspired by former Battersea canine residents and each follow a family who rehomes a puppy from Battersea, which leads to lots of mischief, madness and fun.

Published in association with Random House Children’s Books, each book focuses on the rewards the dog brings to his new family.

The books are published on 1 July and yesterday children from Darrick Wood Infant School in Orpington were the first to hear a book reading from the new series, during a visit to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Brands Hatch.

The group of 15 four and five year-old pupils were read an extract from one of the books, Chester’s Story, by Battersea Education Officer Amy Watson.

 Class teacher Amy Seare says: “The books were very popular with my class. Animal stories always go down well and it is fantastic to also educate the children about the importance of being a responsible owner. These books get the message across in a fun way which really engages them.”

In Chester’s Story, the doggy hero is an excitable little Lurcher with a special talent for opening doors. When his owner Jessica accidentally shuts herself into a dark, scary basement, it is up to Chester to spring to the rescue. 

The children enjoyed the reading and were thrilled to meet a life-sized version of Bailey, one of the stars of the book.

Five-year old Taylor said: “I like cats and dogs and love reading books about cute, fluffy animals. I can learn new words by reading and want to finish the rest of Chester’s Story when we get back to school. Meeting Bailey was really fun.”

In Bailey’s Story, the star is a shy Dalmatian puppy, who lives with Emily’s granny and proves he’s no scaredey cat when he catches a burglar breaking in late at night.

Plus, don’t forget Rusty’s Story, where readers meet Rusty the Terrier cross puppy who loves swimming. He is adopted by Holly’s family and when they all go on holiday and Holly gets swept out to sea there’s only brave dog who can save the day.

As well as doggy games and information about Battersea, each story includes a profile of the dog it is based on. Chester was based on a Lurcher called Red, who hit the headlines in 2004 when he was caught on CCTV escaping from his kennel at night and letting his friends run free for a midnight feast.

Other dogs featuring in the books include Daisy the Border Collie, Max the Golden Retriever and Misty the Beagle. The series will expand later in the year with new books starring other dogs.

Each book costs £4.99 and is available from Battersea’s online shop. All proceeds go to Battersea.