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About The Stephensons' Rocket:
Rocky is a very special greyhound …about to join a very special family! The Stephenson’s' Rocket is a novel intended for junior readers, but with a wide appeal to booklovers of all ages. As well as touching on the potential hardships that face an ex racing dog, The Stephenson’s' Rocket also deals sensitively with family tensions and the difficulties experienced by children when parents disagree.
Endorsed by the Retired Greyhound Trust.
Click here to buy a copy of The Stephensons' Rocket.
About the author:
Jayne Woodhouse is an established author with a wide variety of publications to her name. She has been published by the BBC, PCET, Heinemann and Longman. The Stephenson’s Rocket is her first novel, and is published by the Cluckett Press. Jayne lives in Southampton.
The Cluckett Press
Did you know…:
• That the Stephensons'' Rocket was inspired by a real dog!
• Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog in existence; they can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour over a short distance.
• King Henry VIII kept greyhounds.
• Greyhounds can’t sit down!
What are greyhounds?
Greyhounds are a special breed of dog that are used for racing, because they can run so fast. There are stadiums around the country (and in other countries too) where greyhound dogs are raced to make money.
People who race greyhounds are checked to make sure they look after them properly. A dog that wins lots of races can be worth a great deal of money!
The problems start when the greyhounds get too old to race, or become injured - what happens to them then?
Retired greyhounds can be taken on by families - just like Rocky was - or they can go to places like the Retired Greyhound Trust to be taken care of. Sadly, some do not get well looked after, and places like the Retired Greyhound Trust work very hard to make sure they are not neglected or hurt.
You can find out more by clicking on the Retired Greyhound Trust link (on the yellow sticky note) on this page.
Leaning up against Dad was a tall, bony creature, on legs so long and thin they looked like they could snap as easily as twigs.
‘That’s not a dog!’ grumbled Darren. ‘It’s a rat on stilts!’
‘It’s all right, you’re safe now,’ I said gently to the dog and went to stroke him.
But Mum pulled me back. ‘Don’t you dare touch it, Anna! It might bite!’
Dad took no notice. ‘I want you all to meet someone very special,’ he announced proudly. ‘Say hello to Sheldon Rocket, but you can call him Rocky!’
It seemed like a fancy name for an old stray dog. And however did Dad know what he was called? That’s when I realised Dad was up to something again - and I knew it wouldn’t be good.
‘Rocky’s a racing greyhound!’ Dad announced, beaming all over his face.
‘A racing greyhound?’ repeated Mum, in amazement.
‘That’s right! Isn’t he a beauty?’ Dad replied.
Rocky had a dirty, matted coat that looked like it might once have been white. One front leg was black, as if he was wearing a long, odd sock and there was a matching black patch over his right eye. He was trembling all over.
‘He’s a bit skinny,’ was all I could think of to say.
‘That’s because Rocky’s an athlete,’ said Dad, ‘he’s built for speed. Go on, Jo, let the girl stroke him.’
I patted the dog gently on the head. I could feel his skull under the skin. I didn’t want to stroke the rest of him, because I couldn’t bear to feel those sticking-out bones. Rocky looked at me for a moment with big, wet eyes, then dropped his head again.
‘He looks ever so nervous,’ said Darren.
‘That’s because he’s highly strung,’ explained Dad patiently.
‘Well, you’re not coming inside with that thing,’ snapped Mum. ‘It’s filthy and it stinks!’
‘It happens to be a pedigree animal,’ said Dad, ‘and he’s fast – you should see him go! He’s not called The Rocket for nothing.’
‘You’ve seen him run then, have you?’ Mum was using her ever-so-patient voice, which meant she was absolutely furious.
‘Not exactly,’ Dad admitted, ‘but I’ve seen his potential.’
Want to read on?
Click here to buy a copy of the book.
Listen to Jayne read from 'The Stephensons' Rocket'
Use this form if you want to contact Jayne.
If you live in Southampton...or maybe nearby and can travel to Southampton, then you are MOST WELCOME to attend the launch party for And Rocky Too. Just come along to Shirley Library in Southampton between 2 pm and 3pm on Saturday 15th October. Don't miss this chance to meet Jayne and her special guest - Danny the READing Dog!
The long awaited sequel to The Stephensons' Rocket is launched THIS SATURDAY....15th October 2011. Rocky plays a crucial role in solving a very big problem...in his inimitable style!
If you liked The Stephensons' Rocket then you will love And Rocky Too ... click here , or click on Rocky's Facebook page for a chance to win a signed copy.
Winner of a Writing for Children award in the Winchester Writers' Conference: ‘a clear, strong first person narrative, with great immediacy -… the humour is lovely.’ Jude Evans, Little Tiger Press
‘A great read - you won't be able to put it down!’ Sandra Horn, award-winning children’s author
‘I loved this book. It's a wonderful, heart-warming tale which perfectly captures family life and living with a rescue dog. … I suspect that this is going to be one of those books which gets read over and over again.’ Sue Magee, The Bookbag
‘A well written and uplifting story that I would recommend to everyone.’ BFK Books
‘A delightful book that deserves to be widely read.
The perfect gift for our younger supporters.’
The Retired Greyhound Trust
To win a signed copy of And Rocky Too, simply answer the question below in the 'message box, enter a contact e mail and press 'send'.
All replies received by noon on Monday 31st October 2011 will be entered ito a grand draw to win a copy of the book signed by Jayne!
PRIZE QUESTION: What organisation looks after greyhounds once they finish racing?
Copyright D.Adamson 7/7/2011
my business copyright 2000 no animals were harmed in the making
