BROTHERS IN ARMS
A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear
and the Soldiers Who Loved Him
Available now!
Illustrated by Jamie Green
HarperCollins
ISBN-10 : 0063064766
ISBN-13 : 978-0063064768
Brothers in Arms is the remarkable true story of an orphaned bear cub who grew into a World War II hero.
Wojtek was just an orphaned bear cub (yes, an actual wild bear!) when a group of teenaged Polish soldiers, many of whom were orphans themselves, took him into their ranks during World War ll. Wojtek quickly became a beloved and important member of the Polish II Corps. Together with his brothers in arms, Wojtek helped his friends turn the tide of World War II.
This incredible true story introduces a chapter of World War II while also underscoring the life-changing power of teamwork and the enduring bonds of friendship and love in the face of adversity.
The picture book includes extensively researched back matter based on interviews with the soldiers and their descendants, photographs of Wojtek and friends, maps, a timeline, films, websites, sources, additional resources, further reading, and more!
Praise for BROTHERS IN ARMS:
Kirkus
“A true and colorful account of how an orphaned bear and a unit of Polish soldiers—many of them also orphaned or missing family members—adopted one another.”
“Drawing from interviews with one living veteran and descendants of others, as well as published sources, Hood tells an affecting tale of how Wojtek (Polish for happy warrior), a Syrian brown bear, came as a cub to the soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company, a unit training in Persia (now Iran)—and not only served as a morale booster, but actually caught a spy and later provided materiel aid in the battle for Monte Cassino. That he was also, along with a Dalmatian named Kirkuk who was his “polka-dotted partner in crime,” something of a force for chaos in camp adds to his charm, and before the war’s end, he was not only formally enlisted, paybook and all, but promoted to corporal. While many war stories have sad endings, backmatter explains that Wojtek went on to spend a long retirement in the Edinburgh Zoo. Green’s charming, humorous depictions of a sociable, teddy bear–ish cub growing to shaggy adulthood surrounded by uniformed admirers (all White) are echoed in a set of photos in the backmatter, which includes maps, a timeline, and other useful additions.”
School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)
K-Gr 4–Wojtek was a Serbian bear who enlisted in the Polish army during World War II and became a symbol of resilience throughout Europe. This inspiring true story explores the realities of war by focusing on the tale of a bear and the soldiers who cared for him, presenting a complicated piece of world history in this accessible, child-centered volume. Polish citizens who had been sent to Siberian slave labor camps by the Soviets early in the war were released to fight Hitler’s troops. As they traveled to Allied training and civilian camps in modern-day Iran, an orphaned bear cub was adopted and raised by Polish soldiers. As Wojtek grew, he engaged in mischief like pulling underwear off a clothesline and using a month’s water supply to cool off in the desert heat. He also made himself useful by capturing an enemy spy and carrying heavy supplies. Perhaps his most important role was helping the soldiers who had endured numerous traumas to heal. He slept cuddled up to a man separated from his family, and played with teenaged soldiers who had lost their childhoods. The tales of Wojtek’s antics will amuse; the accounts of healing and heartbreak will help young readers to empathize and learn about the world. The story is presented in clear chronological order, with dated headings to track the passage of time. Numerous nonfiction features enhance the text: photographs, author’s notes, pronunciation guides, a time line, maps, and source notes support the narrative. The writing is accessible for readers, perfectly paired with charming illustrations full of humor and pathos. Recommend to animal lovers and history buffs.
VERDICT The story of one clever bear brings home the heartbreak of war and the hope of healing. Recommended for first purchase.— Elizabeth Lovsin
Fuse 8
2022 Unique Biographies for Kids
“What makes Hood’s book so good …, is the care with which she separates out the facts from the fictions. Wojtek is best remembered as carrying live and very heavy munitions for the Polish armymen he loved. However, as Hood is quick to correct, this never really happened. He would help with heavy crates, sure, but a slippery single shell wasn’t possible. The book is a love letter to a very sweet bear, and one of the better animals-in-war nonfiction picture book titles I’ve ever seen.”
—Betsy Bird
Click book jacket to enlarge.
Baby Wojtek cooling off in the desert heat. Photo courtesy of The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, London.
Wojtek boarding the ship to Italy. Photo courtesy of The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, London.
Wojtek in the driver’s seat. Photo courtesy of The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, London.