Michael Morpurgo (text) and Michael Foreman (illustrator), Cobweb, HarperCollins Publishers, October 2024, 240 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780008352141
Morpurgo’s expertise in telling engaging historical stories shines through again in his latest book about the adventures of a drover’s dog, named Cobweb, at the time of the Battle of Waterloo.
Cobweb’s story is told in his first-person voice so that the reader views his perspective and becomes engaged with his character.
He begins his life as a puppy enjoying the love of owner, Bethan, and freedom to explore around the countryside. But his luck doesn’t last, and Cobweb is smuggled away to live with Drover Morgan and learn to be a drover’s dog. Soon Cobweb is on a dangerous and strenuous assignment to drove many sheep and cattle hundreds of miles to London, stopping at villages on the way. Further adventures on the return journey include befriending the French Little Drummer Boy, just returned from the Battle of Waterloo, and being set upon by a pack of angry dogs. But Cobweb never forgets Bethan and longs to be re-united with her.
I enjoyed Morpurgo’s masterful writing that flows smoothly and conjures strong images of place and people.
I also loved learning about the Battle of Waterloo and the famous Little Drummer Boy, especially as Morpurgo brings these iconic historical events to life through character dialogue.
Foreman’s black and white drawings of places and characters add meaning and context to the story, helping to make the historical era seem more real.
Typically for Morpurgo’s many books, Cobweb covers some thought provoking and serious themes, conveyed in an accessible way for young readers. There are discussions about the futility of war and thoughts of longing for home, as well as many examples of courage, co-operation, loyalty and trust.
The text is well spaced out with mostly short sentences and occasional illustrations between text, which supports newly independent readers to gain confidence reading a longer text.
Cobweb is suitable for 8–10-year-olds, and an excellent option for experiencing a quality writing style.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz