Operation Doodlebug
Operation Doodlebug is my first middle-grade prose novel. It will be published by Piccadilly Press in paperback in November 2026.
It’s spring 1944 and Stan’s father bravely enlists for D-Day, swearing he’ll return safely. When he’s reported ‘missing, presumed dead’, Stan refuses to believe it. As the doodlebugs start to fall on Croydon, could a letter hidden in a bomb hold the proof his father is still alive? Evacuation gives Stan and his friends the chance to deliver the letter and reveal the truth . . . discovering in the process what bravery really means.
Thanks to Manuel Sumberbac for his vivid and atmospheric illustrations, and to Piccadilly Press for making them into possibly the best animation cover reveal ever!
Reviews for Operation Doodlebug
'A future classic' THE BOOKSELLER
'Operation Doodlebug is one of the best World War Two novels I’ve read.' Helen Peters, author of FRIENDS AND TRAITORS
'Operation Doodlebug is a page-turning WW2 story which doesn't flinch from harsh truths. Tia Fisher shines a light on ordinary people showing extraordinary resilience. It's heartfelt and gripping, with masterful storytelling. I loved it. '― Jasbinder Bilan, author of ASHA AND THE SPIRIT BIRD
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'Gorgeously written, full of rich historical detail and brimming with heart, Operation Doodlebug is sure to become a classic. I adored it.' ― LAURA NOAKES, author of COSIMA UNFORTUNATE STEALS A STAR
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'Meticulously researched, expertly plotted and sensitively written, this moving story of friendship and bravery will have them gripped. I'm recommending it to everyone!' ― Cathy Faulkner, author of DIGGING FOR VICTORY
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'Fans of Goodnight Mister Tom will LOVE this book, which is the perfect introduction to the Home Front for middle grade readers.' ― Matthew Fox, author of THE LOVELY DARK
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'Another extraordinary book from the pen of Tia Fisher . . . relatable characters, a page-turning plot and uses authentic period detail with a light and illuminating touch. . . reminded me of the enduring, quality storytelling of the books of my childhood e.g. The Railway Children, Carrie's War and Tom's Midnight Garden.' ― Lis Jardine, author of The Detention Detectives
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'Operation Doodlebug offers so much to readers: pages filled with danger, with adventure, with air raids and buzz bombs. Sirens and shelters. This is a story about courage, about feeling scared and facing your fears. A brilliant vehicle for learning about life on the Home Front.' ― Edspires, HOME EDUCATOR
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'A sensitive and action-packed wartime story . . . a must-have book for UKS2 classrooms.' ― miss.c.reads, YEAR 5/6 TEACHER
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'If I was still teaching I'd be using this in the classroom and will definitely be raving about it to anyone who will listen!' ― Overflowingklc, BOOKSELLER
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'A really gripping, unputdownable book that we found incredibly immersive and atmospheric.'― Mums_of_boys_northeast, HOME EDUCATOR
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'All I could think as I was reading was how I could create amazing English, guided reading and history lessons to go with the text. This really is a story that all Y6 children need to read! '― escape_to_the_reading_corner, BOOK REVIEWER AND TEACHER