Willy and Sherman: Battle on the Beach

by Dave Devisser, Cary Vanderveen (Illustrator)

Overview

Willy, a spirited military jeep and Sherman, a cautious army tank meet on a WWII supply ship headed for Europe. They become best friends, and train together in England for the D-Day battle in Normandy, France. The two friends are teased and bullied because of their poor wartime skills. During the battle, their loyal friendship, values, and heroics save others, however the two brave heroes are damaged and left for scrap. Their situation looks hopeless, but what occurs next is something they'd never dream could happen.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780999686201
Publisher:	School Forest Publishing LLC
Publication date:	04/12/2018
Series:	Willy and Sherman , #1
Pages:	104
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.22(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Dave DeVisser's interest in World War II history began fifteen years ago when he purchased and restored a 1942 military jeep. Since then, he has built an extensive library of books on the history of the war. Dave is a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Dave enjoys displaying his jeep and sharing his knowledge at veterans' Honor Flight Tours and other events. Dave's father was a veteran of WW2, serving in the Philippine Islands and Okinawa. The motivation to write this story originated in Dave's desire to spark children's interest in the history of WW2 and show them the value of loyal friendships.

Cary VanderVeen has been an artist most of his life. When Cary was a young boy, his father gave him a crow quill pen and taught him how to draw with pen and ink. When Cary was thirteen, his grandmother gave him her watercolor brushes. He still uses the pen and the brushes. Cary has a bachelor's degree in fine art and art education, and a master's degree in painting. He has taught art for more than thirty years in public and private schools. Over the years, Cary has been in art organizations, art shows and art competitions, and his artwork is a part of many private collections.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 ~ Willy’s New Life 5

Chapter 2 ~ Sherman’s New Life 9

Chapter 3 ~ Friendship 13

Chapter 4 ~ A Close Call 17

Chapter 5 ~ Promises 21

Chapter 6 ~ Sherman’s Struggle 25

Chapter 7 ~ Willy’s Struggle 29

Chapter 8 ~ Crossing the Channel 33

Chapter 9 ~ The Landing 39

Chapter 10 ~ Battle on the Beach 43

Chapter 11 ~ Sherman’s Charge 47

Chapter 12 ~ Saving Sherman 51

Chapter 13 ~ Brave Willy 55

Chapter 14 ~ Waiting for the End 59

Chapter 15 ~ Faithful Friends 63

Chapter 16 ~ The Big Surprise 65

Chapter 17 ~ Victory Parade 69

Interesting Facts 77

D-Day Invasion Map 81

World War 2 Photographs 82

About the Author 94

About the Illustrator 95

Editorial Reviews

“This book is a welcome contribution to bringing history alive to the younger generation. Written in an easy to understand style, Willy and Sherman: Battle on the Beach is a must read for children and adults alike.”

—Lt. Col (R) Thomas Christianson, Senior Historian,

Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Office, Washington, DC



“I love it! The historical settings and accuracy, the names, the interesting characterization of Willy and Sherman (absent humans), the themes of friendship, dreams, victory—all excellent!”

—BJ Huizenga, Lead Administrator,

Kalamazoo Christian School Association

“This book could be a lovely gift to a child whose grandparent served in the war. It gently tells a dramatic and powerful story of a time during WWII.”

—Alice Neve, (R) Librarian and Supervisor of Outreach,

St. Paul Public Library

From the Publisher