Brothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him

by Susan Hood, Jamie Green (Illustrator)

Overview

Brothers in Arms is the remarkable true story of an orphaned bear cub who grew into a World War ll hero alongside his brothers in arms from award-winning author Susan Hood and star illustrator Jamie Green. Perfect for fans of Finding Winnie. 

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 teaches young readers about the history 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, additional resources, further reading, and more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063064768
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/04/2022
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	498,825
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Susan Hood is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Alias Anna, Lifeboat 12, Ada’s Violin, Brothers in Arms, The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics, Shaking Things Up, and Titan and the Wild Boars. She is the recipient of an E. B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Honor, the Christopher Award, the Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, the Golden Kite Award, and the Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, given annually for “a distinguished work of nonfiction.” Visit her at susanhoodbooks.com.

Jamie Green is a Greenville-based illustrator, professional curious person, and alum of Ringling College of Art + Design. They have a soft spot for bears, but feel thankful they haven't encountered any on their hikes quite yet! More of Jamie's work can be found at jamiegreenillustration.com.

Editorial Reviews

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. — Kirkus Reviews

The story of one clever bear brings home the heartbreak of war and the hope of healing. Recommended for first purchase. — School Library Journal (starred review)

From the Publisher

★ 11/01/2022

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

School Library Journal

2022-07-13
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. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A sweet, sometimes funny tale, context and setting notwithstanding. (afterword, facts, source list, film and websites, recommended reading) (Informational picture book. 7-9)

Kirkus Reviews