READER’S FAVOURITE WRITEMENTOR NOVEL-IN-DEVELOPMENT AWARD
‘I was extremely engaged and pulled into the story incredibly quickly. I couldn’t stop reading, it was sooooo good!’
Child Reader Feedback WriteMentor Novel-in-Development Award 2023
‘There’s no other way to put it, this is the best dog adventure I’ve ever read. Wonderfully written, it is exciting, captivating and full of heart.’
Philip Kavvadias, author of the Mission Microraptor series
‘Perfect for dog fans, this book is brilliantly told through the eyes of lovable dog Bandit, whose attempts to rejoin his beloved owners when they have to go away are exciting and funny for children and adults alike.’ ~ Lisa Allen, author of Undercover Angel
‘Bandit is a great character, with a fabulous voice and personality – he has so much to endure, but never really loses his joy.’
Emma Read, editor and children’s author
‘I thought this was a really clever way of writing, and it was fun seeing things through Bandit’s eyes.’
bookmadbarlow ~ Book Blogger Instagram
‘This very sweet book follows Bandit the dog and his beloved companion, Isla. Isla’s family has to unfortunately move away and they must leave Bandit with an elderly friend. When Bandit is left there, he doesn’t understand why Isla has left him and longs to go back to his friend. Porter writes this story beautifully from the perspective of Bandit. Some wonderful characters such as Isla, Nero the Rottweiler and Rat. A real adventure story which will excite readers, especially those who are pet lovers.’
MrsMckenzieReads ~ Book Blogger Instagram
‘I loved the book and I’d recommend it to everyone in my class. I really liked the characters especially Bandit, Isla and Rat, and I enjoyed laughing at the two bumbling crooks.’ ~ Raphael 10
‘I really loved the story because it was very interesting, emotional and very touching. My favourite parts were when Bandit was creating the Escape Committee with Rat and Poly the poodle. My other favourite part was when Bandit reunited with Isla – it was very touching, I nearly cried with joy!’ ~ Katy 10
‘Rachel Rivers Porter masterfully tells the story from Bandit’s peculiarly doggy perspective. With her fun use of language and knowledge of dogs, she has produced an engaging and enjoyable tale that middle-grade children will especially love.’ CM ~ Amazon Review
‘I loved it. It includes a range of cool characters like Bandit and Rat. I also loved the made up words and funny parts.’ ~ Raymond 11
‘It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. Bandit’s Great Escape is 2nd in my Top Ten books after Mary Poppins and equal with Black Beauty.’ ~ Hannah 8
‘Bandit, the hero has a loveable, bouncing character, and he goes through various difficulties, enlisting the help of other animal friends to find his owner Isla. All in all, a ‘Whisker-Tingling, Drool-Dribbling-Good’ read! (One of Bandit’s phrases).’ Helen ~ Amazon Review
‘A charming dog story. I especially liked how cleverly the author wrote through the eyes of the Bandit the wonderful doggy hero and how she captured the special relationship between a girl and her dog.’
Book-lover ~ Amazon Review
‘I really enjoyed how Bandit kept changing from playful when Croaky taught him to have manners, then he changed back to a normal dog. I liked Rat’s personality – he was trying to help Bandit escape, but also trying to help himself by getting food off Bandit!’ ~ Holly 10
It was really good and interesting. It was very adventurous. When Isla gets really upset when she has to leave Bandit with Croaky, it felt like when I lost my dog Pasha. I also like how savage Rat is! ~ Zarah 10
‘I enjoyed the variety of different characters as well as the mix of humour, sadness and joy. I have no doubt that children, whether dog lovers or not, will be enchanted.’ George 67 ~ Amazon Review
‘I really liked how Croaky is trying to make Bandit into a human by teaching him to sit at the table to eat. She was lonely and stressed as she had issues, and he made her happy.’ ~ Ruth 10
‘I loved reading Bandit’s Great Escape. I particularly liked how Bandit made good friends with Nero the rottweiler, and how they both changed as characters.’ ~ Joshua 12
‘I liked how adventurous Bandit was as well as determined. My favourite character was Blaze the sheepdog because she was energetic and taught Bandit to be a dog again.’ ~ Esme 11
‘The plot line was amazing. There are four dogs: Bandit (the main character), Polly (a friend to Bandit early on), Nero (a dog who was roughed up by the bad guys), and Blaze (a dog who loves fun, and like Nero, stays in touch with Bandit at the end).’ ~ Nicholas 9