Review Detail

‘Brothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him’ by Susan Hood, illustrated by Jamie Green, tells the story of an untraditional war hero. When Wojtek joined the troops, he learned to walk just as they did, to be friends with his comrades, and to eat till he grew and grew and grew some more. He made friends with a dalmation named Kirkuk, helped out at the Women’s Signals Company camp, showered with the men, and scared enemy spies with his terrifying roar.

As time passed, the soldiers were worried they would lose Wojtek to their travels, but they found a way to keep him with them, attaining special approval from the high command in Cairo so he could join them on a ship. Eventually they arrived in Italy, after the men officially listed the bear as a soldier in the Polish II Corps, 22nd Artillery Supply Company. He was even granted his own paybook, rank, and serial number, if you can believe it!

There is so much more to Wojtek’s story that fills the pages of this book that is graced by beautiful images that display the beauty of friendship, the trials of war, and the courage the men and Wojtek all displayed throughout their time together.

Back matter includes information about what happened to Wojtek and his friends, along with further historical notes, photos, facts about the war and bears, a timeline of events, maps of Wojtek’s travels, and additional sources to further any interested reader’s understanding of the events in Wojtek’s life. This nonfiction historical picture book relates a war story quite well to young readers who are just learning about war, and the trials and tribulations that can accompany it.