Author Tom Palmer, known for his Puffin football children’s series like “Football Academy,” “Foul Play,” and “The Squad,” has penned another compelling story with D-Day Dog. This insightful interview delves into the inspiration, research, and themes behind his latest book, offering a glimpse into the author’s creative process and his passion for bringing history to life for young readers.
Palmer’s extensive work includes 14 books for Barrington Stoke, a publisher specializing in creating engaging reads for all children, including those with dyslexia and visual stress. His book, Foul Play, was even shortlisted for the 2009 Blue Peter Book Award, highlighting his established talent in children’s literature.
The Genesis of D-Day Dog
D-Day Dog centers on a young boy named Jack who has a fascination with war and a deep affection for his dog. During a school trip to France, Jack discovers the crucial role dogs played in the D-Day landings of World War II, and tragically, that some of these canine heroes lost their lives. This revelation prompts Jack to re-evaluate his perception of war.
Palmer shares that the historical period of D-Day and World War II has always held a significant interest for him. He views D-Day as a heroic event that was instrumental in defeating Nazi Germany and shaping a better world. His research for the book involved extensive reading, watching documentaries, listening to historical interviews, and visiting the actual D-Day landing beaches to gain a visceral understanding of the events.
Exploring Complex Themes
Beyond the historical narrative, D-Day Dog tackles profound themes, including the impact of war on families through the father’s deployment to Afghanistan and the difficult realities faced by refugees, exemplified by the character of Kasandra from Syria. Palmer acknowledges the emotional weight of writing these sensitive subjects. His approach is grounded in personal experience, having met individuals who have directly or indirectly experienced these conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of learning from real people and their stories to imbue his fiction with authenticity.
The author places immense importance on the personal, human element within his war-themed fiction. He believes that to effectively write about war, the narrative must closely connect with the individuals affected by it, both in the present and throughout history. By incorporating a young Syrian refugee’s perspective, Palmer aims to underscore the ongoing nature of conflict and the imperative to seek peace and offer support to those affected.
The Human-Animal Bond and Technology
At the heart of D-Day Dog is the heartwarming relationship between Jack and his dog, Finn. Palmer reveals that his own beloved dog, also named Finn, served as the inspiration for the canine character. While the book’s Finn is depicted as slightly more obedient than his real-life counterpart, the core of their bond is drawn from Palmer’s personal experiences with his pet.
The book also touches upon the role of modern technology, including gaming and video games. Palmer expresses a conflicted view on their benefits and drawbacks, suggesting a nuanced perspective on how these technologies integrate into young people’s lives.
Authorial Growth and Publishing Insights
With numerous successful books to his name, including Armistice Runner and the popular series “Foul Play” and “Football Academy,” Palmer reflects on his evolving writing and storytelling abilities. He notes a growing confidence in his craft, moving beyond his initial comfort zone of sports-themed narratives. Palmer hints that his upcoming 50th book will explore a subject he previously hesitated to tackle, signaling a continued artistic evolution.
Regarding his publisher, Barrington Stoke, Palmer highlights their commitment to making literature accessible to all readers. He explains that their process often involves careful attention to page design, font choices, and subtle editing to support children with reading challenges like dyslexia and visual stress. He describes the first look at the illustrations and front cover design by Tom Clohosy Cole for D-Day Dog and Armistice Runner as “thrilling,” considering them some of his best cover art to date.
Reader Impact and School Visits
Ultimately, Tom Palmer hopes that readers will find pleasure in D-Day Dog. He also expresses a deeper aspiration: that the book encourages young readers to contemplate the realities of war. He admits that the process of writing the book itself profoundly impacted his own understanding.
Palmer cherishes his school visits, viewing them as a vital part of his work to foster a love for reading, particularly among children who may not typically engage with books. He finds that author visits are most successful when schools prepare by discussing the author and their work with students beforehand, creating a more engaged and receptive audience.
