BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tak, Bibi Dumon. 2011. Soldier Bear. Translated by Philip Hopman. Illustrated by Laura Watkinson. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-8028-5375-2
SUMMARY
Soldier Bear is based on the true story of a Syrian brown bear rescued by a group of Polish soldiers stationed in Iran during WWII. Trading the bear for a pen knife, money and a can of corned beef, the soldiers take the bear back to base where they name him Voytek and he becomes a private in the army. Although the war is difficult, Voytek's escapades and antics charm all who meet him and allow everyone to forget about the war, even if it's for a little while.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Winner of the 2012 Batchelder Award and named a 2012 USBBY Outstanding International book, Soldier Bear is a novel based upon the (mainly) real events of a bear and his Polish soldier friends during WWII. Dutch author, Bibi Dumon Tak's writing is described in the back of the book as "blend[ing] literary technique with facts to produce stories that are both compelling and accurate." Although research states that the bear was actually rescued by a Polish refugee crossing the Ebruz Mountains and not Polish soldiers, Tak's literary embellishment doesn't take away from the theme of the story which is friendship and companionship between animals and humans. Set between the years 1939-1947, we learn about Voytek and the Polish soldiers experiences as they move from Iran, through Iraq and Syria on their way to Palestine and Italy and then, finally, Scotland. Tak doesn't shy away from the horrors of war with one soldier reminiscing about life in Poland at the beginning of the war, stating "People lied and killed and in the end no one knew who was their enemy and who was their friend." The Polish soldiers often talk about their loneliness and fear for their country which was invaded by Russia and Germany. Translated from Dutch to English by Laura Watkinson, the writing is simple and strong, yet on occasion slightly old-fashioned: "They were all so pleased to see one another."
Tak explains the invasion of Poland in WWII in simple terms: "We thought you were our friends!" the Russians shouted at the Germans. "Ha!" the Germans shouted back. "We're only friends with ourselves!" Tak's explanation is understandable and younger students can relate to the concept of friendship gone bad. Although Soldier Bear is a novel, many of the details within the story occurred, including Voytek charming American, Italian, and English soldiers throughout his travels, carrying live ammunition, being named a private in the army, catching a spy in the bathroom, smoking cigarettes and drinking beer.
Hopman's simple black and white illustrations add a touching glimpse into the bear's antics: Voytek putting his paws over his eyes when he gets into trouble or Voytek entertaining troops by doing a handstand on top of a crane. Hopman tenderly portrays the moment Voytek stands between two soldiers "like a father trying to separate his sons" when they get into a fight.
The book contains photographs, a bibliography and an afterword, which offers additional information about Voytek. Maps are included so students can follow along with the troops as they move across the Middle East and Europe. Not many books about WWII are written for younger children and Soldier Bear is a welcome addition for students who are interested in WWII or stories about friendships with animals. For students 9+.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
...Young readers will enjoy this wonderful story of a Syrian brown bear and his soldier family. Teachers will love sharing this story of WWII with students. The back of the book gives an accurate account of the bear and the 120 soldiers who loved him.--Children's Literature
...Despite its serious setting, most of the novel is lighthearted.... the story is thought-provoking, but not overwhelming. The unit is stationed in the Middle East, transporting supplies and soldiers, so it's a rather different perspective of World War II than most readers are used to. Black-and-white drawings appear throughout the book, which closes with photographs of the real Voytek and his friends. Kids are sure to fall in love with this bear while being gently introduced to war and being touched by the message of peace. --School Library Journal
“This is smoothly translated and engagingly illustrated with sketches and helpful maps. Funny, fresh, and
heartwarming, it doesn’t ignore the horrors of war but concentrates on the joy of having an animal friend.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Hopman’s expressive grease-pencil illustrations add to the story’s accessibility, grounding the proceedings
with charm.” — Booklist
CONNECTIONS
*For similar books,
-Paulin, Garry. 2008. Voytek the Soldier Bear. Garry Paulin. ISBN 095582950X
-Morpurgo, Michael. 2010. War Horse. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439796644
-Worman, Charles G. 2011. Civil War Animal Heroes: Mascots, Pets and War Horses. Paducah, KT Schroeder. ISBN 188924645X (Not a children's book, but students will enjoy the pictures and stories).
*Students will enjoy this YouTube video about Voytek. Start at 42 seconds and finish at 5:13.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIg1pZgMGRk
*One of the reasons Voytek was so popular is that he helped the soldiers with homesickness and stress. He made people laugh during a very difficult time. Have a discussion with your students about their pets. Do the pets help when they're sad? Do they think it would be helpful for soldiers to have pets?
*Here's a teaching guide from the author's website.
http://www.eerdmans.com/Common/Redesign_PDF/9780802853752_discussionguide.pdf
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