Delta and the Lost City

Delta is a young wolf dog living in Italy in 79 AD, with her mother Luna and her human family. Her idyllic life is disrupted when she witnesses a horrific crime and she is forcefully separated from her human and animal friends and family. Delta must try and find them all and restore justice – all in the shadow of the rumbling Vesuvius.

With some properly nasty characters and a realistic portrayal of the cruelty of slavery during Roman times, this is a compelling and different telling of the events around the eruption of Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD.

The story of the animals, the slaves and the many shades of the Roman way of life is interwoven with the natural disaster and although the audience know what is going to happen, there is a feeling of suspense and excitement throughout. David Dean’s black and white illustrations enhance the atmosphere and provide us with stark but nuanced depictions of the characters and action, reflecting the darkness of the volcanic ash.

Primary school teachers are going to love having a new chapter book with this unique animal perspective to teach about the Romans and Pompeii. The descriptions of Pompeii before, during and after the volcanic eruption are vivid and realistic and the bravery and daring escapades of Delta and her eagle friend Bellona carry us through this exciting adventure which is peppered with historical facts and pictures from everyday Roman life.