This is based on a true story from a hundred years ago. The story has since been adapted for film. Overall, the narrative is enthralling and teaches a great lesson of loyalty and devotion, which is possible even if you are a dog. The emotive graphology and language used supports these lessons.

Aside from the obvious Literacy lessons which could emanate from the narrative there are also lessons to be learned about History or Personal and Social care. I found that the story could be used in many of the curriculum areas, which is very helpful for a trainee teacher to have one resource that can do this. I came across the story when being interviewed for a teaching course and was asked to come up with ways I could use this story in class. This story is supposedly true and a statue of Greyfriar's Bobby resides in Edinburgh. On seeing this loyalty the towns people, including the old cook from the kitchen provide food for Greyfriar's Bobby. Greyfriar's Bobby remains loyal to his owner and sits himself next to Auld Jock's grave all day and all night. However, one wintry night Auld Jock gets so cold that he dies. The two keep each other company and often visit a kitchen which provides Auld Jock with food, the cook also gives Greyfriar's Bobby some food out of kindness. The story goes that there is an old, homeless man known as 'Auld Jock' who has a dog 'Greyfriar's Bobby'.

I therefore came very familiar with the plot in this time. I was one of those children that, if given the chance, would choose the same story to read over and over again (I suppose it does improve comprehension of the story!). I first came across Greyfriar's Bobby in primary school.

Greyfriars Bobby by Eleanor Atkinson