The Emperor's Grucklehound
By Kathryn Cave
Illustrated by Chris Riddell
Once upon a time there were two puppies...
"Kathryn Cave has written a perfect little fable ... "
School Librarian, August 1996
It's the Emperor's birthday but Sam and Scruff don't know or care. The two hungry puppies want a bite to eat and a good home. This is the story of how they find what they're looking for.
And lose it.
And find it again, with a bit of help from Fred (the assistant gardener's assistant), Karl (the footman), Anna and her father (Scruff's rescuers), and, of course, from the Emperor himself . . .
About the author
Kathryn Cave lives in Hampstead, London. Her books include the award-winning Something Else. She is available for school visits and workshops.
"Gruckle hounds? Gruckle hounds?" frowned Lord Hawk.
"They're from Austria, my lord," said Fred.
" A charming and funny story"
100 Best Books, 1997
What the author says about
The Emperor's Gruckle Hound
I like dogs and as a child I had a puppy I loved very much. So this story was great fun to write. Fred's inspired lie about the gruckle hound changes both puppies' lives, and his own life and the Emperor's too. We spin our stories and then they run away with us, always. I like
it when that happens.
"You know what, Hawk" said the Emperor, "I'll keep it! The last of the gruckle hounds... It can be my mascot. I can't wait to see what it's like when it grows up."
Fred's stomach turned a double somersault and sank into his boots.
"Don't gape, boy" said Lord Hawk sharply. "Remove the gruckle hound. It must go to the imperial kennels for training tomorrow! The Emperor has spoken!"
Have you tried these?
Other stories by Kathryn Cave
illustrated by Chris Riddell:
Picture books by Kathryn Cave
and Chris Riddell:
Psst!
Anything in blue is a
link. Click and see . . .
