Charley and Alex’s mum loves Little Manfred, a wooden toy dog from her childhood. But since Dad broke one of his wheels, Mum has been devastated.

Her grief is a mystery to Charley and Alex until one day, when they meet two old men on the beach. As past and present collide, the memories of war come flooding. They tell a story of friends who always find a way back to each other – and, despite their differences, become family.

‘Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly’ Observer