Us minus Mum - Heather Butler

Us Minus Mum has been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2015 and shortlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2015. Heart-warming as well as heart-breaking, it is the story of two brothers and their lovable mongrel finding laughter in the face of loss.

George and Theo's mum is brilliant.

She tells great stories, can wave the fastest of anyone on the planet and, most importantly, she was the one who suggested they adopt a scruffy dog called Goffo.

The boys think she's invincible. But they're wrong.

Because Mum is ill.

Really ill.

It's up to George and Theo to keep Mum smiling. Which will almost probably definitely involve wellies, shepherd's pie and Goffo's victory at the pet talent show . . .

'a perfectly-judged, wonderfully-observed story of coming to terms with the loss of a parent and coping with grief. It's also a funny and delightful portrait of a family that is probably different from your family, but just like it, too. I loved it and heartily recommend it to every single reader of 9 and up.' The Bookbag