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Loyal Creatures
Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the grand adventure and do his bit. Specially as a chest full of medals might impress the currently unimpressed parents of his childhood sweetheart. So Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy ... and his dad.
In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.
From Gallipoli to the famous charge at Beersheba, through to the end of the war and its unforgettable aftermath, Frank's story grows out of some key moments in Australia's history.
They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse, but war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a young man's journey towards his own kind of bravery.
In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.
From Gallipoli to the famous charge at Beersheba, through to the end of the war and its unforgettable aftermath, Frank's story grows out of some key moments in Australia's history.
They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse, but war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a young man's journey towards his own kind of bravery.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
20 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Morris Gleitzman
110Ìýbooks949ÌýfollowersMorris began his writing career as a screenwriter, and wrote his first children's novel in 1985. His brilliantly comic style has endeared him to children and adults alike, and he is now one of Australia's most successful authors, both internationally and at home. He was born in England in 1953 and emigrated to Australia in 1969 so he could escape from school and become a Very Famous Writer.
Before realising that dream, he had a colourful career as paperboy, bottle-shop shelf-stacker, department store Santa Claus, frozen chicken defroster, fashion-design assistant and sugar-mill employee. In between he managed to gain a degree in Professional Writing at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. Later he became sole writer for three award-winning and top-rating seasons with the TV comedy series The Norman Gunston Show.
Morris wrote a number of feature film and telemovie screenplays, including The Other Facts of Life and Second Childhood, both produced by The Australian Children's Television Foundation. The Other Facts of Life won an AWGIE Award for the Best Original Children's Film Script.
He also wrote live stage material for people such as Rolf Harris, Pamela Stephenson and the Governor General of Australia. Morris is well known to many people through his semi-autobiographical columns in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald magazine, Good Weekend, which he wrote for nine years.
But the majority of Morris' accolades are for his hugely popular children's books. One of his most successful books for young people is Two Weeks with the Queen, an international bestseller which was also adapted into a play by Mary Morris. The play had many successful seasons in Australia and was then produced at the National Theatre in London in 1995 directed by Alan Ayckbourn, and also in South Africa, Canada, Japan and the USA.
All his other books have been shortlisted for or have won numerous children's book prizes. These include The Other Facts of Life, Second Childhood, Misery Guts, Worry Warts, Puppy Fat, Blabber Mouth, Sticky Beak, Belly Flop, Water Wings, Bumface, Gift Of The Gab, Toad Rage, Wicked! and Deadly!, two six-part novels written in collaboration with Paul Jennings, Adults Only, Toad Heaven, Boy Overboard, Teacher's Pet, Toad Away, Girl Underground, Worm Story, Once, Aristotle's Nostril, Doubting Thomas, Give Peas A Chance, Then, Toad Surprise, Grace, Now, Too Small To Fail, and his latest book, Pizza Cake. Morris' children's books have been published in the UK, the USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia and Czechoslovakia, Russia and China.
Before realising that dream, he had a colourful career as paperboy, bottle-shop shelf-stacker, department store Santa Claus, frozen chicken defroster, fashion-design assistant and sugar-mill employee. In between he managed to gain a degree in Professional Writing at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. Later he became sole writer for three award-winning and top-rating seasons with the TV comedy series The Norman Gunston Show.
Morris wrote a number of feature film and telemovie screenplays, including The Other Facts of Life and Second Childhood, both produced by The Australian Children's Television Foundation. The Other Facts of Life won an AWGIE Award for the Best Original Children's Film Script.
He also wrote live stage material for people such as Rolf Harris, Pamela Stephenson and the Governor General of Australia. Morris is well known to many people through his semi-autobiographical columns in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald magazine, Good Weekend, which he wrote for nine years.
But the majority of Morris' accolades are for his hugely popular children's books. One of his most successful books for young people is Two Weeks with the Queen, an international bestseller which was also adapted into a play by Mary Morris. The play had many successful seasons in Australia and was then produced at the National Theatre in London in 1995 directed by Alan Ayckbourn, and also in South Africa, Canada, Japan and the USA.
All his other books have been shortlisted for or have won numerous children's book prizes. These include The Other Facts of Life, Second Childhood, Misery Guts, Worry Warts, Puppy Fat, Blabber Mouth, Sticky Beak, Belly Flop, Water Wings, Bumface, Gift Of The Gab, Toad Rage, Wicked! and Deadly!, two six-part novels written in collaboration with Paul Jennings, Adults Only, Toad Heaven, Boy Overboard, Teacher's Pet, Toad Away, Girl Underground, Worm Story, Once, Aristotle's Nostril, Doubting Thomas, Give Peas A Chance, Then, Toad Surprise, Grace, Now, Too Small To Fail, and his latest book, Pizza Cake. Morris' children's books have been published in the UK, the USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia and Czechoslovakia, Russia and China.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 21, 2016
The story of the Australian Light Horse Brigade in the first world war. Or rather the story of a boy - and he really is a boy at the beginning of the book - and his horse. There are lots of great things about this book. The relationship between the boy and his dad. The war fever that gripped small towns at the beginning of the war, the white feathers delivered to those who didn't go off immediately. This is a great book to sit alongside David Hill's Two Brothers novel. Offering multiple perspectives of the war, although they are set in different battles. Morris Gleitzman is a wonderful writer and this book is one of his best. Highly recommended for Year 9 and 10 students and those who struggle with reading at yr 11 level.
December 31, 2019
How do you package up a whole WW1 Australian story of a young solider and his horse in under 200 pages for a middle grade 21st century reader?
With his usual first person, naive narration Morris Gleitzman has cleverly crafted an historically plausible and endearing story here.
The careful use of language (or lingo) was well executed. I enjoyed the local references too.
I came to this text knowing a few facts about The Light Horse Brigade, but appreciate younger readers possibly wouldn’t see the ending coming - and, again, it was well delivered.
I think my misgiving (not giving more stars) was trying to think where this book fits - who is the intended audience?
Overall, the language, packaging (cover art, font and format) suggest 9+years old. But, fear the overall violence and death would be for an older audience (high school?).
It is a book worth making time for. Share it as a family, support a younger reader with it & visit the National War Memorial. But, probably not a great classroom read-a-loud or primary school library.
With his usual first person, naive narration Morris Gleitzman has cleverly crafted an historically plausible and endearing story here.
The careful use of language (or lingo) was well executed. I enjoyed the local references too.
I came to this text knowing a few facts about The Light Horse Brigade, but appreciate younger readers possibly wouldn’t see the ending coming - and, again, it was well delivered.
I think my misgiving (not giving more stars) was trying to think where this book fits - who is the intended audience?
Overall, the language, packaging (cover art, font and format) suggest 9+years old. But, fear the overall violence and death would be for an older audience (high school?).
It is a book worth making time for. Share it as a family, support a younger reader with it & visit the National War Memorial. But, probably not a great classroom read-a-loud or primary school library.
July 11, 2020
Loyal Creatures is well written with a realistic view of the realities of war but one of the most difficult reads for me. In the end, I did not cry, I sobbed and was angry - for the way loyal creatures of the two-legged and four-legged kind were treated. As if the war was not cruel enough, they had to traumatise these young men even more.
Morris Gleitzman explained that it is not a history book but portrays events truthfully.
Morris Gleitzman explained that it is not a history book but portrays events truthfully.
January 29, 2015
It makes you think how lucky you are to live in the place and this time. The ending is horrible because it's sad. :(
December 26, 2017
A heart-wrenching story about the bond between a boy and his horse. This story gives a fascinating account of life on the ground for the men and their horses during World War 1. Be prepared to cry. :(
June 19, 2022
I should have known to stop reading when the dog died. Brutal book which made me cry, but an important story too
March 3, 2025
Read this with my class - first time I’ve cried in front of 12 year old boys. Incredibly sad
April 19, 2025
Bawled my eyes out.
June 15, 2014
During WWI nearly 150,000 horses were transported from Australia and conscripted to the army � majority of their owners joined the Lighthorsemen, and were sent to the Middle Eastern theatre.
When the war ended in 1918 some of the 150,000 horses had survived.
But only one would be sent home.
‘Loyal Creatures� is the new novel from children’s author Morris Gleitzman.
I am a huge fan of the famous Australian author, but even this book surpassed my expectations and is most certainly a favourite of 2014. Even more so since last week I had the absolute pleasure of attending a performance of the book’s first incarnation � as a stage play � in an event hosted by Penguin Teacher’s Academy and the Centre for Youth Literature at the State Library. Actor Paul-William Mawhinney was the protagonist in the powerful one-person show of ‘Loyal Creatures�, playing 16-year-old Frank Ballantyne � and the performance added new dimensions to the book for me and wrung new emotions from the page.
In 2012, the National Theatre of London was preparing to bring the stage production ‘War Horse� to Australia. To bring an Australian perspective to the play, adapted from Michael Morpurgo's 1982 children's novel of the same name, they approached renowned Australian children’s author Morris Gleitzman. In 2005 Gleitzman had released the first children’s book in a four-part series called ‘Once�, set in 1942 about a Jewish boy called Felix who is searching for his lost parents. The final book ‘After� was released in 2o11, and was the end to an emotionally draining, heartbreaking but daring series that explored the Holocaust in a most important way for children � and Michael Morpurgo obviously knew Gleitzman was in a good position to tell a new war story, also for children. Thus ‘Loyal Creatures� the stage play was written.
Available from Penguin Teachers is the entire script of the ‘Loyal Creatures� play, which includes a brief note from the author explaining why he then wanted to adapt it into a novel; “Writing the novel gave me the opportunity to further develop Frank and Daisy’s story, add extra characters and include incidents and details that there hadn’t been room for in the play.�
I am so grateful that Gleitzman decided to create play and novel. Both are remarkable in their own right � emotionally wrenching and telling an aspect of WWI history that is almost entirely unknown. Indeed, Morris Gleitzman only stumbled across the information about 150,000 horses sent to war, and the one coming back, during his research. And I can understand why so little is known about this aspect of the war � it reveals the army’s bureaucratic cruelty and goes against the most celebrated ANZAC legend. It instead is a subversive story about the cruelty of man and the sheer pointlessness of war � while also celebrating humankind’s connection to the animal kingdom, and perhaps what that reveals in our own capacity for kindness (when we allow it).
Nineteen fourteen.
War.
Did I want to go?
Course I did.
Who wouldn't want to choof off to distant exotic places, give a pack of mongrel bullies what for and have the sort of experiences you just didn't get in the Cudgegong district.
When I told Dad I wanted to go, he tried to wallop me round the head with a canvas bucket.
Not too hard, I was bigger than him. But I was still surprised. Hitting people with buckets wasn't Dad's style. Plus, since Mum died, me and Dad were a team. Mates. You didn't go round whacking your mates in the head with work utensils.
Something was going on.
Dad glared at me. 'You and me'll be first in the trenches,' he said, 'if Germany invades New South Wales. Till then we'll stay out of other dopey idiots' wars.'
I squinted up at the blokes riding past. They didn't look that dopey to me.
‘Loyal Creatures� is the story of Frank and his father who both sign up for the war and bring their horses � Jimmy and Daisy � with them. But neither can anticipate that a war which is meant to be over by Christmas will see 416,809 men enlisted, of which over 60,000 will be killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
But it’s the story of Frank and Daisy that dominates, as both man and beast navigate this God forsaken war the best they can. Far from home, Daisy is a constant and welcome reminder of home, of what Frank is fighting to return back to � they become true comrades, and in the play Frank is governed by his father’s words of wisdom:
If a horse does the right thing by you, he reckoned, you do the right thing by them.
‘Loyal Creatures�, the novel and the play are truly remarkable texts. Based on a true, saddening story, Gleitzman imbues this long forgotten historical factoid with warmth and humour, madness and human weakness. He will make you look at war differently, critically, not least by illustrating man’s capacity for kindness alongside the senselessness of war and violence.
When the war ended in 1918 some of the 150,000 horses had survived.
But only one would be sent home.
‘Loyal Creatures� is the new novel from children’s author Morris Gleitzman.
I am a huge fan of the famous Australian author, but even this book surpassed my expectations and is most certainly a favourite of 2014. Even more so since last week I had the absolute pleasure of attending a performance of the book’s first incarnation � as a stage play � in an event hosted by Penguin Teacher’s Academy and the Centre for Youth Literature at the State Library. Actor Paul-William Mawhinney was the protagonist in the powerful one-person show of ‘Loyal Creatures�, playing 16-year-old Frank Ballantyne � and the performance added new dimensions to the book for me and wrung new emotions from the page.
In 2012, the National Theatre of London was preparing to bring the stage production ‘War Horse� to Australia. To bring an Australian perspective to the play, adapted from Michael Morpurgo's 1982 children's novel of the same name, they approached renowned Australian children’s author Morris Gleitzman. In 2005 Gleitzman had released the first children’s book in a four-part series called ‘Once�, set in 1942 about a Jewish boy called Felix who is searching for his lost parents. The final book ‘After� was released in 2o11, and was the end to an emotionally draining, heartbreaking but daring series that explored the Holocaust in a most important way for children � and Michael Morpurgo obviously knew Gleitzman was in a good position to tell a new war story, also for children. Thus ‘Loyal Creatures� the stage play was written.
Available from Penguin Teachers is the entire script of the ‘Loyal Creatures� play, which includes a brief note from the author explaining why he then wanted to adapt it into a novel; “Writing the novel gave me the opportunity to further develop Frank and Daisy’s story, add extra characters and include incidents and details that there hadn’t been room for in the play.�
I am so grateful that Gleitzman decided to create play and novel. Both are remarkable in their own right � emotionally wrenching and telling an aspect of WWI history that is almost entirely unknown. Indeed, Morris Gleitzman only stumbled across the information about 150,000 horses sent to war, and the one coming back, during his research. And I can understand why so little is known about this aspect of the war � it reveals the army’s bureaucratic cruelty and goes against the most celebrated ANZAC legend. It instead is a subversive story about the cruelty of man and the sheer pointlessness of war � while also celebrating humankind’s connection to the animal kingdom, and perhaps what that reveals in our own capacity for kindness (when we allow it).
Nineteen fourteen.
War.
Did I want to go?
Course I did.
Who wouldn't want to choof off to distant exotic places, give a pack of mongrel bullies what for and have the sort of experiences you just didn't get in the Cudgegong district.
When I told Dad I wanted to go, he tried to wallop me round the head with a canvas bucket.
Not too hard, I was bigger than him. But I was still surprised. Hitting people with buckets wasn't Dad's style. Plus, since Mum died, me and Dad were a team. Mates. You didn't go round whacking your mates in the head with work utensils.
Something was going on.
Dad glared at me. 'You and me'll be first in the trenches,' he said, 'if Germany invades New South Wales. Till then we'll stay out of other dopey idiots' wars.'
I squinted up at the blokes riding past. They didn't look that dopey to me.
‘Loyal Creatures� is the story of Frank and his father who both sign up for the war and bring their horses � Jimmy and Daisy � with them. But neither can anticipate that a war which is meant to be over by Christmas will see 416,809 men enlisted, of which over 60,000 will be killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
But it’s the story of Frank and Daisy that dominates, as both man and beast navigate this God forsaken war the best they can. Far from home, Daisy is a constant and welcome reminder of home, of what Frank is fighting to return back to � they become true comrades, and in the play Frank is governed by his father’s words of wisdom:
If a horse does the right thing by you, he reckoned, you do the right thing by them.
‘Loyal Creatures�, the novel and the play are truly remarkable texts. Based on a true, saddening story, Gleitzman imbues this long forgotten historical factoid with warmth and humour, madness and human weakness. He will make you look at war differently, critically, not least by illustrating man’s capacity for kindness alongside the senselessness of war and violence.
Read
July 16, 2022Have/had to read this for school.
Not much to say but now I have to read it again to annotate it oop
Not much to say but now I have to read it again to annotate it oop
January 26, 2025
Charming account of the horrific WW1 with a focus on one poor underaged soldier and his lopsided, loyal horse.
Would be great for year 7-8s with an interest in history and/ or animals. Holds both grief and humour well.
Would be great for year 7-8s with an interest in history and/ or animals. Holds both grief and humour well.
September 3, 2014
Loyal Creatures is set in World War One and although it is about a real war and inspired by real events, author Morris Gleitzman tells us that “it isn’t a history book�. Rather it is a book written to inspire our imaginations about what it may have been like to volunteer in the war as so many Australian men and women did.
Throughout the pages of this story, we follow 16-year-old, Frank Ballantyne and his horse Daisy. As the war erupts in Europe and many Australians join up, Frank is keen to enlist and join the adventure. Despite his father’s objections, Frank volunteers Daisy and himself to join the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse.
We follow Frank and Daisy as they fight in the Middle East. During the devastating events that they have to survive, Frank and Daisy’s bond of mateship and loyalty is ever strengthened. This story gives the reader much insight into the fear and heartbreak experienced by those who fought. The reader most keenly feels this when the book reaches its devastating ending.
Loyal Creatures was born of a script written by Morris Gleitzman for a workshop linked to the stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. Just like it’s predecessor, Loyal Creature is a powerful story that will leave its mark on anyone who reads it.
Throughout the pages of this story, we follow 16-year-old, Frank Ballantyne and his horse Daisy. As the war erupts in Europe and many Australians join up, Frank is keen to enlist and join the adventure. Despite his father’s objections, Frank volunteers Daisy and himself to join the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse.
We follow Frank and Daisy as they fight in the Middle East. During the devastating events that they have to survive, Frank and Daisy’s bond of mateship and loyalty is ever strengthened. This story gives the reader much insight into the fear and heartbreak experienced by those who fought. The reader most keenly feels this when the book reaches its devastating ending.
Loyal Creatures was born of a script written by Morris Gleitzman for a workshop linked to the stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. Just like it’s predecessor, Loyal Creature is a powerful story that will leave its mark on anyone who reads it.
June 6, 2014
A sensitive and devastating tale of mateship and loyalty in World War One. I loved the strong narratorial voice, deftly blending humour and a restrained sense of emotional vulnerability in the classic Aussie male way.
The companionship between the young protagonist, Frank, and his loyal horse, Daisy, was tenderly rendered.
The ending was truly upsetting and highlighted the horrors that occurred even after the war ended.
The book made me appreciate anew the reasons for the men enlisting in the war, their expectations of valour, and the reasons why some men chose not to talk it about it afterwards.
The companionship between the young protagonist, Frank, and his loyal horse, Daisy, was tenderly rendered.
The ending was truly upsetting and highlighted the horrors that occurred even after the war ended.
The book made me appreciate anew the reasons for the men enlisting in the war, their expectations of valour, and the reasons why some men chose not to talk it about it afterwards.
June 5, 2015
The language used in this larger font novel is excellent aussie lingo, and would be great for reluctant boy readers. Excellent read. It was a story about courage, war, loss and loyalty.
As an animal lover, this was quite harrowing. It was even more terrible to know that this was all true, and to imagine the heartbreak these soldiers had to go through after everything they had seen and experienced.
As an animal lover, this was quite harrowing. It was even more terrible to know that this was all true, and to imagine the heartbreak these soldiers had to go through after everything they had seen and experienced.
September 5, 2016
This novel is based on the brave men and their horses in the Middle East during World War I. It needs to be told and shared so that they are not forgotten.
April 17, 2016
Written from the perspective of a teen boy, this story has a strong voice, and a relateable protagonist. Highly recommended for teens, horse-lovers, and people who want more of a glimpse into what it means to be a soldier in someone else's war.
February 4, 2020
Entirely readable by adults. Listened to on a road trip with my 13 yo who highly recommends it. Fantastic way to learn history and understand some possible social and emotional impacts upon individuals.
April 8, 2017
A really sweet little read
Want to read
October 6, 2018There is an interesting background to this book. If you think this sounds familiar and suspect it of being a ripoff of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse, fear not! In fact, when the West End production based on War Horse transferred to Australia, Michael Morpurgo himself asked Australian children’s author Morris Gleitzmann !add link! to write an extra section telling the story of a young man from there who had gone to war with his horse. Rather improbably, vast numbers of Australian horses were shipped halfway across the world to become war horses; 150,000. Only one came back. Gleitzmann later wrote a book based on the performance, Loyal Creatures !add link!.
In an interview, Gleitzmann said:
“I always think it’s important that in a first-person book that the character’s voice, their speech rhythms, the language they use, is the most important part of us understanding what’s happening inside them, getting a sense of who they are.�
Gleitzman, one of Australia’s most acclaimed children’s authors, hopes that both children and adults alike will connect with Loyal Creatures. He believes it’s important to tell stories from our nation’s history, particularly ones that children may engage with.
“You and I know exactly why history is important, in human terms. But for young people to share that experience, if we can tell stories about people, their feelings, their hopes, their dreams, their problems, their attempts to survive, every young person, like all of us, connects with human drama on that level. If it happens in a context that can be called history then that’s a great thing.�
Excerpt from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Even though I haven’t read War Horse, seen the show or the film by Steven Spielberg, or read Loyal Creatures, I thought other people who might be looking for a review might be interested in this and perhaps go on to read Gleitzmann’s book. I have only read one of his, Once, about a Jewish boy who escapes the deportation of the Warsaw ghetto, and it has stuck with me. !add link!
P.S. The Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ magic link added isn’t working this morning, so I will have to edit this later to add ‘em!
In an interview, Gleitzmann said:
“I always think it’s important that in a first-person book that the character’s voice, their speech rhythms, the language they use, is the most important part of us understanding what’s happening inside them, getting a sense of who they are.�
Gleitzman, one of Australia’s most acclaimed children’s authors, hopes that both children and adults alike will connect with Loyal Creatures. He believes it’s important to tell stories from our nation’s history, particularly ones that children may engage with.
“You and I know exactly why history is important, in human terms. But for young people to share that experience, if we can tell stories about people, their feelings, their hopes, their dreams, their problems, their attempts to survive, every young person, like all of us, connects with human drama on that level. If it happens in a context that can be called history then that’s a great thing.�
Excerpt from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Even though I haven’t read War Horse, seen the show or the film by Steven Spielberg, or read Loyal Creatures, I thought other people who might be looking for a review might be interested in this and perhaps go on to read Gleitzmann’s book. I have only read one of his, Once, about a Jewish boy who escapes the deportation of the Warsaw ghetto, and it has stuck with me. !add link!
P.S. The Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ magic link added isn’t working this morning, so I will have to edit this later to add ‘em!
October 15, 2022
There is nothing better than reading a book that makes you feel so emotional and inspirational after reading it. Loyal Creatures is one of those books. Written by Morris Gleitzman in 2014, this book is an extremely powerful story about a young man's journey during the first world war.
This story starts when fifteen-year-old Frank decided to fight in the war. It was mainly because of the arrival of the white feather, which left Frank nothing to do but to embark on Egypt. After many tragedies, Frank was still keen to keep going for his Dad, and Joan, the daughter of the local chemist whom he has a crush on.
We follow the adventures of Frank and Daisy as they fight in the Middle East. They both go through devastating events, but with courage and strength, they manage to survive. Throughout the book, they build up a stronger bond with each other. As readers, this book gives us an insight into the horrors of war experienced by those who fought.
This book leads us through pages of journeys and adventures. It is perfect for Year 6-9 students who are fascinated by historical fiction books like this.
This story starts when fifteen-year-old Frank decided to fight in the war. It was mainly because of the arrival of the white feather, which left Frank nothing to do but to embark on Egypt. After many tragedies, Frank was still keen to keep going for his Dad, and Joan, the daughter of the local chemist whom he has a crush on.
We follow the adventures of Frank and Daisy as they fight in the Middle East. They both go through devastating events, but with courage and strength, they manage to survive. Throughout the book, they build up a stronger bond with each other. As readers, this book gives us an insight into the horrors of war experienced by those who fought.
This book leads us through pages of journeys and adventures. It is perfect for Year 6-9 students who are fascinated by historical fiction books like this.
March 1, 2020
A powerful tale about the Australian Lighthorse Brigade in World War One. Frank is just a boy when he signs up with his Dad and Daisy, his trusty horse. This is a story of friendship and loyalty between men and animals.

Although the writing style makes this an easy, quick read, I can't believe this is a middle grade book as the ending was so gut wrenching and sob inducing for me. Loyal creatures indeed, and such a tragic end for them.

I appreciate the honesty in this story and how there really is no happy ending in war.

Although the writing style makes this an easy, quick read, I can't believe this is a middle grade book as the ending was so gut wrenching and sob inducing for me. Loyal creatures indeed, and such a tragic end for them.

I appreciate the honesty in this story and how there really is no happy ending in war.
December 12, 2021
It’s a beautiful book. I had to read this for school a couple of years ago and recently read it again. It’s a heartbreaking story about WW1, a boy, his father and a horse. This will move you to tears as you will come to know the characters. This isn’t an awfully hard read but it is 100% worth it. If you are looking for a quick read that will leave you heartbroken, this is it. Hopefully you enjoy loyal creatures as much as I have!
May 12, 2018
Audiobook
A powerful story about World War 1 and the Australian Lighthorse Brigade. As with all Moris Gleitzman there are laughs amid the lessons. Tears were shed.
Four stars ****
My Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ star ratings from 23/9/17
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
absolutely amazing
A powerful story about World War 1 and the Australian Lighthorse Brigade. As with all Moris Gleitzman there are laughs amid the lessons. Tears were shed.
Four stars ****
My Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ star ratings from 23/9/17
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
absolutely amazing
September 9, 2018
I'm not sure this book is suitable for children as young as 10 years old. My son had to read it for school and he didn't enjoy it. This is the second book of Mr Gleitzman's I have read because my son's class was studying it. I think he is taking very adult topics and trying to make them for children. Children should be children and not forced to confront these topics at such young ages.
August 9, 2017
Morris Gleitzman at his usual (excellent) level.
Down to earth, very touching story based on facts from Australian participation in I WW.
In my opinion too cruel and depressing for young readers for whom most of M.G. books is written
Down to earth, very touching story based on facts from Australian participation in I WW.
In my opinion too cruel and depressing for young readers for whom most of M.G. books is written
April 22, 2019
At a whim I looked for a book about animals, because I wanted to feel warm and fuzzy inside, and I came across this one. Years ago I had a huge involvement with horses and decided this would be the book I would read next (or listen to, in this case). I didn't read the blurb. I knew nothing about the storyline. I picked the book purely because of the horse on the cover.
The book turned out to be about the Australian horses sent overseas during WWI. Specifically, a breed of horse called walers, which were sturdy, hardy horses, able to travel long distances in hot weather with little water.
Loyal Creatures is about a young (under age) boy and his horse, who join the Australian Light Horse and go to Egypt, and later to Gallipoli. The boys innocence and the horse's loyalty are touching. Their adventure together is something to be proud of and memorable, yet filled with heartbreak. The boy soon grows up as he faces the reality of war, death and having to make hard decisions.
This is a story of fiction, but it is easy to believe that it could have happened to a boy of the same age in real life. The character's are vivid, believable, complete. The story was the same.
With ANZAC day just around the corner, I must remind everyone to remember those who gave their lives for us, including all the animals, not just the horses. Recommended.
The book turned out to be about the Australian horses sent overseas during WWI. Specifically, a breed of horse called walers, which were sturdy, hardy horses, able to travel long distances in hot weather with little water.
Loyal Creatures is about a young (under age) boy and his horse, who join the Australian Light Horse and go to Egypt, and later to Gallipoli. The boys innocence and the horse's loyalty are touching. Their adventure together is something to be proud of and memorable, yet filled with heartbreak. The boy soon grows up as he faces the reality of war, death and having to make hard decisions.
This is a story of fiction, but it is easy to believe that it could have happened to a boy of the same age in real life. The character's are vivid, believable, complete. The story was the same.
With ANZAC day just around the corner, I must remind everyone to remember those who gave their lives for us, including all the animals, not just the horses. Recommended.
December 8, 2019
Fabulous easy read covering the story of WWI and the Light Horse. Gives a real sense of the madness of war and the special relationship between the men and their horses. Thoughts of protagonist written in very oz language.
April 26, 2020
A quick read based on true events. A lot happens in these 160 pages, most of them quite harrowing. The shining light of the story is the relationship between Daisy, the horse, and Frank. Aussie slang was used throughout and added to the overall feel.
May 3, 2020
I can't imagine how devastating it would be to have gone through something like this, and having to find the courage to send your friend to a 'better place'. Such brave men and incredibly brave and loyal horses.
March 18, 2021
Definetley not Morris Gleitzman's finest work. If you really want to experience his war stories read the Once series. Worth your time. A lot easier to understand language and slang in that series than in this book.
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