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Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War
A delightful tale inspired by the true story of a brave goat war hero. Perfect for fans of Finding Winnie and Rescue and Jessica.
During World War I, a goat named Billy was adopted by a platoon of soldiers and made his way across the ocean to be part of the war effort.
Billy . . .
* Trained with the soldiers
* Was smuggled across the ocean
* Got snuck into the frontlines in a box of oranges
* Ate some secret documents and was arrested for treason
* Got trench foot
* Head-butted soldiers into a trench and saved them from a shell
* Came back home a decorated war hero
This charming true story follows Sergeant Billy from his small prairie town to the trenches of World War I and back, through harrowing moments, sad moments, moments of camaraderie and moments of celebration. This unforgettable goat and the platoon that loved him will capture your heart!
During World War I, a goat named Billy was adopted by a platoon of soldiers and made his way across the ocean to be part of the war effort.
Billy . . .
* Trained with the soldiers
* Was smuggled across the ocean
* Got snuck into the frontlines in a box of oranges
* Ate some secret documents and was arrested for treason
* Got trench foot
* Head-butted soldiers into a trench and saved them from a shell
* Came back home a decorated war hero
This charming true story follows Sergeant Billy from his small prairie town to the trenches of World War I and back, through harrowing moments, sad moments, moments of camaraderie and moments of celebration. This unforgettable goat and the platoon that loved him will capture your heart!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2019
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 10, 2022
Heartwarming story about Sgt. Billy who was a mascot for Canadian soldiers in WW I. Animals often help to reconnect us to our lost humanity; their 'innocence of intention' shows us that there is way to coexist that is not based on dominance. Sgt. Billy was a spiritual leader; helping men cope with the horrors that always shadow war.
June 29, 2019
As soon as I saw that cover and title, I knew I wanted to read SERGEANT BILLY, and I’m so glad I did!
THOSE ILLUSTRATIONS!
This is an utterly charming real life story about a goat’s adventures in the War to End All Wars. The illustrations are so heart-tugging as is the story, which is both poignant and funny.
BILLY TALES
Such a fun way to learn history, with truths revealed through the tale of a creature that got trench foot, saved soldiers by head-butting them away from a deadly shell, was court marshaled for eating top secret papers, but in the end was decorated and returned home safely as a hero. Loved it! 5/5
Pub Date 17 Sep 2019
Thanks to Mireille Messier, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#SergeantBilly #NetGalley
THOSE ILLUSTRATIONS!
This is an utterly charming real life story about a goat’s adventures in the War to End All Wars. The illustrations are so heart-tugging as is the story, which is both poignant and funny.
BILLY TALES
Such a fun way to learn history, with truths revealed through the tale of a creature that got trench foot, saved soldiers by head-butting them away from a deadly shell, was court marshaled for eating top secret papers, but in the end was decorated and returned home safely as a hero. Loved it! 5/5
Pub Date 17 Sep 2019
Thanks to Mireille Messier, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#SergeantBilly #NetGalley
June 19, 2019
I'd never heard the story of Sergeant Billy before! It makes for quite a cute picture book.
Billy was a goat who was borrowed from a little girl named Daisy to be a mascot for the Fifth Canadian Battalion during World War I. He was smuggled to England, and eventually to France, where he kept morale up and even saved some lives (for which he was awarded the Mons Star). At the end of the war, as promised, he was returned to Daisy by the soldiers and lived out the rest of his life.
This is a nice example of a biographical picture book. The fact that the subject is a goat did little to diminish my enjoyment of the story. The illustrations work nicely with the text, helping to propel the narrative.
There are a couple of pages at the back with notes and photos. Although it's not explicitly spelled out in the text, you can see a picture of the actual Billy on display. The fact that he was stuffed and placed in a museum after death might be disturbing to some readers, so be aware of that.
This is a strong picture book about a little-known animal hero of World War I. Fans of history and animals might want to check this one out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
Billy was a goat who was borrowed from a little girl named Daisy to be a mascot for the Fifth Canadian Battalion during World War I. He was smuggled to England, and eventually to France, where he kept morale up and even saved some lives (for which he was awarded the Mons Star). At the end of the war, as promised, he was returned to Daisy by the soldiers and lived out the rest of his life.
This is a nice example of a biographical picture book. The fact that the subject is a goat did little to diminish my enjoyment of the story. The illustrations work nicely with the text, helping to propel the narrative.
There are a couple of pages at the back with notes and photos. Although it's not explicitly spelled out in the text, you can see a picture of the actual Billy on display. The fact that he was stuffed and placed in a museum after death might be disturbing to some readers, so be aware of that.
This is a strong picture book about a little-known animal hero of World War I. Fans of history and animals might want to check this one out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
December 4, 2019
This is a beautiful story of an actual goat who went to war. Billy is sweet, understand the suffering of the men who surround him, and provides comfort and good moments to them. Great way to talk about war to young kids.
I received this copy in an Early Reviewers Giveaway in LibraryThing.
I received this copy in an Early Reviewers Giveaway in LibraryThing.
June 14, 2019
Until this book, I had never heard of Sergeant Billy! I think this is a good springboard for introducing the subject of WWI to elementary school children. The old-fashioned illustrations add to the feel of the story and in the back is more information on war animals and the important part they played in the health and well-being of the soldiers. An incredible true story worth reading!
This honest and unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This honest and unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
November 20, 2019
It's been a long time since I read any historical non-fiction (I blame post grad school burnout), but I couldn't resist picking up this picture book which explores the true story of Sgt. Billy, the goat who went to war. I first crossed paths with Sgt. Billy when I was researching the stories of Saskatchewan soldiers during World War I for a video series, and the team and I couldn't help but be charmed by this unique story. Clearly we were not the only ones charmed by Sgt. Billy, as he is a permanent feature at the Broadview Museum - and now the star of his own picture book. Messier does an excellent job of weaving his story into a cohesive narrative, and introducing children to this little piece of history. The illustrations as well were well done, as they kept with simple lines and muted tones to give the story a sense of realism. A more cartoonish or bright style absolutely wouldn't have worked for this story, which is about war after all, but the artist did use a subtle hand to make Sgt. Billy and his comrades a little bit cuter for young audiences.
September 11, 2019
We are pretty familiar with the story about the bear cub named Winnie who was adopted by a lieutenant in WWI and whose story became Winnie-the-Pooh. And then there's Stubby, a stray dog who became the mascot of the 26th Infantry Division, went to war and became a decorated hero, as did Rags, a Parisian mongrel adopted by radio operator James Donovan. But did you know there was also a goat who was borrowed by some Canadian soldiers from a little girl named Daisy in Saskatchewan when their train made a stop there.
Daisy wasn't really happy to lend her goat to the soldiers of the Fifth Battalion who were going off to war, but they promised to bring him back, and so she agreed, and "that's how Billy's extraordinary story began."
And what a story it is. Private Billy proved to be an able soldier, training, marching, crawling and running like any other soldier, and even getting laggers back on track, not to mention being a great comfort and morale booster. But when it came time to ship out, the colonel said it was a no go for Private Billy. His fellow soldiers had other plans, though, buying an crate of oranges (which they quickly ate) and packing Private Billy into the empty crate to sneak him on to their ship. The plan worked and luckily, Private Billy was a good sailor.
Once at the front lines, Billy also adjusted well to trench life. Nothing bothered him - not the cold, not the mud, not the noise, not the bad food, not even the rats. He continued to be a great comfort and morale booster, especially to nervous new recruits and to homesick soldiers. Of course, Billy was a goat, after all, and he was known to occasionally chow down on some important secret documents, and sentenced to jail for spying. But when morale fell, he was quickly released. Billy also saved lives on the battlefield, butting soldiers back into the trench to avoid an exploding shell.
By the end of the war, Private Billy was promoted to Sergeant Billy, and awarded the Mons Star for bravery in the face of danger. And "that's how Sergeant Billy became a decorated war hero." Happily, Billy survived the war and was returned to a somewhat older Daisy in Saskatchewan.
War is an ugly business and it's a difficult topic to introduce kids to. Luckily, there are some excellent books that can help parents and teachers broach this subject with young readers. And Sergeant Billy would be a great choice with which to do that. I say this because the first thing that struck me about Sergeant Billy is how focused it is on the goat and not on the soldiers or some of the real horrors of war. In this way, the story offers a gentle introduction to war while at the same time it makes it very clear that war is not fun despite having a goat mascot.
Messier's writing is simple, direct, and age appropriate, though none of the technical terms are explained (for example, Billy got trench foot, but what is that? my young readers asked). And Reich's uncomplicated gouache illustrations in a palette of army browns and greens work in absolute harmony with the text.
Sergeant Billy and his life on the front lines while in the Canadian army is based on a true story, and readers will find plenty of informative back matter that includes photographs of the real Billy and information about animals in war.
And for kids who really like heroic animal stories, pair Sergeant Billy with these other true stories from WWI: Fly, Cher Ami, Fly! The Pigeon Who Save the Lost Battalion by Robert Burleigh, Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker, Stubby the Dog Soldier, World War I Hero by Blake Hoena, Rags: Hero Dog of WWI, a true story by Margot Theis Raven, and Stubby: A True Story of Friendship by Michael Foreman
This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book is an EARC received from NetGalley
Daisy wasn't really happy to lend her goat to the soldiers of the Fifth Battalion who were going off to war, but they promised to bring him back, and so she agreed, and "that's how Billy's extraordinary story began."
And what a story it is. Private Billy proved to be an able soldier, training, marching, crawling and running like any other soldier, and even getting laggers back on track, not to mention being a great comfort and morale booster. But when it came time to ship out, the colonel said it was a no go for Private Billy. His fellow soldiers had other plans, though, buying an crate of oranges (which they quickly ate) and packing Private Billy into the empty crate to sneak him on to their ship. The plan worked and luckily, Private Billy was a good sailor.
Once at the front lines, Billy also adjusted well to trench life. Nothing bothered him - not the cold, not the mud, not the noise, not the bad food, not even the rats. He continued to be a great comfort and morale booster, especially to nervous new recruits and to homesick soldiers. Of course, Billy was a goat, after all, and he was known to occasionally chow down on some important secret documents, and sentenced to jail for spying. But when morale fell, he was quickly released. Billy also saved lives on the battlefield, butting soldiers back into the trench to avoid an exploding shell.
By the end of the war, Private Billy was promoted to Sergeant Billy, and awarded the Mons Star for bravery in the face of danger. And "that's how Sergeant Billy became a decorated war hero." Happily, Billy survived the war and was returned to a somewhat older Daisy in Saskatchewan.
War is an ugly business and it's a difficult topic to introduce kids to. Luckily, there are some excellent books that can help parents and teachers broach this subject with young readers. And Sergeant Billy would be a great choice with which to do that. I say this because the first thing that struck me about Sergeant Billy is how focused it is on the goat and not on the soldiers or some of the real horrors of war. In this way, the story offers a gentle introduction to war while at the same time it makes it very clear that war is not fun despite having a goat mascot.
Messier's writing is simple, direct, and age appropriate, though none of the technical terms are explained (for example, Billy got trench foot, but what is that? my young readers asked). And Reich's uncomplicated gouache illustrations in a palette of army browns and greens work in absolute harmony with the text.
Sergeant Billy and his life on the front lines while in the Canadian army is based on a true story, and readers will find plenty of informative back matter that includes photographs of the real Billy and information about animals in war.
And for kids who really like heroic animal stories, pair Sergeant Billy with these other true stories from WWI: Fly, Cher Ami, Fly! The Pigeon Who Save the Lost Battalion by Robert Burleigh, Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker, Stubby the Dog Soldier, World War I Hero by Blake Hoena, Rags: Hero Dog of WWI, a true story by Margot Theis Raven, and Stubby: A True Story of Friendship by Michael Foreman
This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book is an EARC received from NetGalley
November 5, 2019
A great book for teaching children about World War I and the difficulties soldiers faced during that time... a true story with a Saskatchewan connection! Beautifully illustrated and a great read aloud choice for young children to explain war.
September 26, 2019
What a wonderful story! I read large amount of WWII history and fiction, so this book immediately caught my eye. It's a true story about a goat that went to war; he kept up morale and even saved some of the men on the front lines. Billy is a courageous goat that made history! Highly recommend this read, especially if your children are interested in war books and you don't want to get into the blood and gore of war.
#Netgalley
#Netgalley
June 13, 2020
Sergeant Billy is awesome. And true. I love that the note in the back has actual photos of Billy with his battalion! There’s apparently a permanent collection about him at the Broadview Museum in Saskatchewan.
December 1, 2019
Absolutely adorable! Readers follow Billy from his home on a farm in Canada to the front lines of World War I. His exploits are both true and truly extraordinary! The repetition is just enough to feel like oral storytelling. The pictures are also super cute! Young readers can enjoy Billy’s adventure without the gruesome realities of the trenches.
December 11, 2019
A fascinating and adorable story of a goat that served in World War 1. Heart warming illustrations! Fantastic. I would give it more stars if I could.
February 6, 2020
This was just fun to read and I really enjoyed the illustrations! Would definitely be fun in an elementary school history class.
November 6, 2019
Here is your must have book for Remembrance Day for primary teachers, especially those of us in Saskatchewan.
Based on a true story, this is the tale of how a goat from Broadview Saskatchewan, becomes part of the Fifth Canadian Battalion platoon during World War I. A goat is befriended and borrowed from a small girl on a farm as a group of men go off to train to become soldiers. As the men train, the bond between the goat who is now known as Private Billy grows and the platoon decides that Billy is now a valuable member of the platoon and sneak Billy onto the boat to travel across the ocean. As the story unfolds we learn of all the remarkable things that Billy experienced from training camp, to being in the trenches, to encouraging the men, to actually saving some of his friends by head-butting them into safety as a shell explodes and finally to his return as a decorated war hero back into the hands of the small girl on the farm. Kass Reich's illustrations are well balanced shifting back and forth between moods of humour and somber using olive army greens and browns that depict this era of time. Included are photographs of Billy and more information about this piece of lesser known Saskatchewan history. This book will allow primary students an appropriate introduction to WWI in an engaging format that will provide knowledge without the horrible details.
With few books that can be shared for our younger readers and students this is an invaluable addition to libraries and classrooms.
Based on a true story, this is the tale of how a goat from Broadview Saskatchewan, becomes part of the Fifth Canadian Battalion platoon during World War I. A goat is befriended and borrowed from a small girl on a farm as a group of men go off to train to become soldiers. As the men train, the bond between the goat who is now known as Private Billy grows and the platoon decides that Billy is now a valuable member of the platoon and sneak Billy onto the boat to travel across the ocean. As the story unfolds we learn of all the remarkable things that Billy experienced from training camp, to being in the trenches, to encouraging the men, to actually saving some of his friends by head-butting them into safety as a shell explodes and finally to his return as a decorated war hero back into the hands of the small girl on the farm. Kass Reich's illustrations are well balanced shifting back and forth between moods of humour and somber using olive army greens and browns that depict this era of time. Included are photographs of Billy and more information about this piece of lesser known Saskatchewan history. This book will allow primary students an appropriate introduction to WWI in an engaging format that will provide knowledge without the horrible details.
With few books that can be shared for our younger readers and students this is an invaluable addition to libraries and classrooms.
September 9, 2021
This is the true story of Sergeant Billy Goat who joined the Fifth Canadian Battalion during World War I. Billy helped boost morale and keep the soldiers' minds off the violence and struggles that accompany war. Billy also saved lives and came home a decorated war hero. I enjoyed this book because it told an interesting story without being too wordy. The pictures were super cute too. Two thumbs up!
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
November 16, 2019
Who knew? Fun to pair with Finding Winnie. There a videos of the stuffed goat to show with this book too.
June 10, 2019
Sergeant Billy is the true story of a girl named Daisy’s pet goat from Saskatchewan who became a decorated hero with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in WWI before returning home to Daisy.
As author Mireille Messier writes, Bill’s early life was spent helping Daisy by pulling carts. But in 1914, his life changed. When soldiers spotted the girl with her goat on a train station platform, they asked for permission to take the goat to their training camp. She agreed under the condition that they promised to bring him back.
The Fighting Fifth Battalion made the goat their mascot and named him Private Billy, and he indeed went to their training camp. But that wasn’t the end of his journey. His soldiers secreted him aboard a boat bound for England and though mascots were prohibited, their goat had become such an important fixture to the soldiers that he also joined them on the front lines in France. Although the goat boosted morale immensely, he caused his fair share of trouble and was courtmartialed twice: once for being caught munching on battalion records and another for charging horns-first at a superior officer. Some leaders insisted rations weren’t plentiful enough to keep him around and argued again that mascots were banned from service.
During his service, Private Billy saved several soldiers’ lives, captured an enemy guard, was wounded and suffered shrapnel injuries several times, contacted trench foot, and suffered shell-shock. He was also gassed at one point and saved the lives of three soldiers.
In 1915, Billy was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was also later decorated with the Mons Star, the General Service Medal, and the Victory Medal. After living out the remainder of his life in Winnipeg with Daisy, his original owner, he underwent taxidermy and now inhabits an enclosure at the Broadview Historical Museum. Beautifully illustrated by Kass Reich, Sergeant Billy is an abridged story for children about this celebrated goat.
(My review ended up being more of a book report and probably longer than the book, but it piqued my interest and led me to read more about this distinguished goat. It also contains some more mature information not in the book, which is aimed at a young target audience. I would recommend this book without hesitation.)
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #SergeantBilly
As author Mireille Messier writes, Bill’s early life was spent helping Daisy by pulling carts. But in 1914, his life changed. When soldiers spotted the girl with her goat on a train station platform, they asked for permission to take the goat to their training camp. She agreed under the condition that they promised to bring him back.
The Fighting Fifth Battalion made the goat their mascot and named him Private Billy, and he indeed went to their training camp. But that wasn’t the end of his journey. His soldiers secreted him aboard a boat bound for England and though mascots were prohibited, their goat had become such an important fixture to the soldiers that he also joined them on the front lines in France. Although the goat boosted morale immensely, he caused his fair share of trouble and was courtmartialed twice: once for being caught munching on battalion records and another for charging horns-first at a superior officer. Some leaders insisted rations weren’t plentiful enough to keep him around and argued again that mascots were banned from service.
During his service, Private Billy saved several soldiers’ lives, captured an enemy guard, was wounded and suffered shrapnel injuries several times, contacted trench foot, and suffered shell-shock. He was also gassed at one point and saved the lives of three soldiers.
In 1915, Billy was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was also later decorated with the Mons Star, the General Service Medal, and the Victory Medal. After living out the remainder of his life in Winnipeg with Daisy, his original owner, he underwent taxidermy and now inhabits an enclosure at the Broadview Historical Museum. Beautifully illustrated by Kass Reich, Sergeant Billy is an abridged story for children about this celebrated goat.
(My review ended up being more of a book report and probably longer than the book, but it piqued my interest and led me to read more about this distinguished goat. It also contains some more mature information not in the book, which is aimed at a young target audience. I would recommend this book without hesitation.)
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #SergeantBilly
November 11, 2019
The most cheerful war story that you will ever read!
October 29, 2019
Animals can help with stress, anxiety and depression. Because of that, this story about a billy goat joining a battalion and going off to war makes perfect sense. Some soldiers from Canada were passing a farm on a train and met a girl with a goat. They asked if they could bring her with them and return the goat when they got back from war. That is how Billy's adventure began. It is a fantastic story based on real events. I love the illustrations and the details about camp life. The only thing I did not like is that the author did not mention where the soldiers were coming from until the end. I assumed they were from England and got very confused when it said they got on a boat to England.
July 14, 2019
Are you familiar with the meme featuring Fry from Futurama, thrusting a handful of dollar bills forward, yelling "Shut up and take my money!"? That meme perfectly encapsulates my feelings about this book. READ THIS BOOK!
And if my abrasive enthusiasm isn't enough to convince you, here are some more reasons to drop everything and get this work:
*It's Canadian!
*It's a wonderful introduction to a fairly unknown story about WWI for ALL audiences. I had no idea there was a goat who served in the Canadian army but now I do and I know all about this heroic little fella who saved countless lives.
*It doesn't talk down to the reader. Trench foot, shell shock, and death are all brought up in this book. However, the author doesn't waste any time with interrupting Billy's story with explanations of what these things are. Instead, the term is used in the story and serves as an invitation to discover more about WWI or for parents to have a conversation with their child about it.
*The illustrations are beautiful and quite charming.
*The tale is inspiring and also includes an afterword with historical photos and more information about Sergeant Billy.
Sergeant Billy is a must have for Libraries. This is a wonderful work that will spark curiosity in many young minds.
And if my abrasive enthusiasm isn't enough to convince you, here are some more reasons to drop everything and get this work:
*It's Canadian!
*It's a wonderful introduction to a fairly unknown story about WWI for ALL audiences. I had no idea there was a goat who served in the Canadian army but now I do and I know all about this heroic little fella who saved countless lives.
*It doesn't talk down to the reader. Trench foot, shell shock, and death are all brought up in this book. However, the author doesn't waste any time with interrupting Billy's story with explanations of what these things are. Instead, the term is used in the story and serves as an invitation to discover more about WWI or for parents to have a conversation with their child about it.
*The illustrations are beautiful and quite charming.
*The tale is inspiring and also includes an afterword with historical photos and more information about Sergeant Billy.
Sergeant Billy is a must have for Libraries. This is a wonderful work that will spark curiosity in many young minds.
March 26, 2022
Like last year’s Sergeant Reckless, Sergeant Billy tells the true story of a WWII mascot to a battalion of soldiers. Billy the goat is borrowed from a young prairie girl and smuggled to the trenches of England and France. The story is simple and straight forward and the illustrations support the text and add to the humor of some of the soldiers’ experiences with Billy. Students in grades 3-5 who enjoy stories about animals and historical accounts of unusual events during war are the target audience. But if budget constraints force librarians to choose between McCormick’s Sergeant Reckless and this one, I would recommend Reckless. The blend of actual photographs and artistic renderings, more detailed back matter, and stronger writing skills make it a stronger choice.
Note: A reread in 2022, combined with a current trend with this year’s 4th graders resulted in a change in rating from 3 stars to 4. While I still think that Sergeant Reckless is an overall “better” book, both choices plus books like Klinger (author Beard), Rags: a WWII Hero Dog (Margot Raven Theis), and Polacco’s Remembering Vera make an important collection for elementary readers.
Note: A reread in 2022, combined with a current trend with this year’s 4th graders resulted in a change in rating from 3 stars to 4. While I still think that Sergeant Reckless is an overall “better” book, both choices plus books like Klinger (author Beard), Rags: a WWII Hero Dog (Margot Raven Theis), and Polacco’s Remembering Vera make an important collection for elementary readers.
September 29, 2019
'Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War' by Mireille Messier with illustrations by Kass Reich is a picture book that shows how often truth is stranger than fiction.
A group of Canadian soldiers on their way to World War I, made a stop in a prairie town. They find a young girl named Daisy with a goat, and they ask if they can take the goat with them. She makes them promise to bring the goat back unharmed.
The goat becomes a kind of mascot and good luck charm. At one point the soldiers head to the front, but the goat isn't supposed to go, so the soldiers think of a clever way to smuggle a goat into the dangerous trenches at the front.
I loved this true story of a goat who helped morale. The book ends with some real pictures and talks about where in Saskatchewan you can find out more. The illustrations are also fun with rounded looking characters and a goat with quite the personality.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
A group of Canadian soldiers on their way to World War I, made a stop in a prairie town. They find a young girl named Daisy with a goat, and they ask if they can take the goat with them. She makes them promise to bring the goat back unharmed.
The goat becomes a kind of mascot and good luck charm. At one point the soldiers head to the front, but the goat isn't supposed to go, so the soldiers think of a clever way to smuggle a goat into the dangerous trenches at the front.
I loved this true story of a goat who helped morale. The book ends with some real pictures and talks about where in Saskatchewan you can find out more. The illustrations are also fun with rounded looking characters and a goat with quite the personality.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
September 3, 2019
Two thumbs up for Sergeant Billy by Mireille Messier. A quick reading account of a true mascot goat during WWI is a pleasing tale for young and old. From leaving Daisy to returning home my grandchildren and I found this to be a delight.
The fact that it is a true story with photographs at the end made this so astounding. We loved the flow of the text along with the pattern of repletion within to be fun to read aloud. By the end we were all saying together, “And that’s how Billy…”
The illustrations are lovely but simple with Sergeant Billy having such cute expressions. We loved the photos at the end which served to make us all want to research more online. A second grader could read this story independently but it is quite remarkable so why not share it together. The first book I have read written by this author but we all want to read more now.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
The fact that it is a true story with photographs at the end made this so astounding. We loved the flow of the text along with the pattern of repletion within to be fun to read aloud. By the end we were all saying together, “And that’s how Billy…”
The illustrations are lovely but simple with Sergeant Billy having such cute expressions. We loved the photos at the end which served to make us all want to research more online. A second grader could read this story independently but it is quite remarkable so why not share it together. The first book I have read written by this author but we all want to read more now.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
October 11, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Coming from a farm in the Canadian midwest, Daisy of Broadview, Saskatchewan lent her goat to the Fifth Canadian Battalion to help with training troops as they got ready to head overseas and aid European Allies in World War I. She wanted to say no, but she felt Billy was a lucky goat, and they looked like they needed luck. So off went Billy.
The men bonded with Billy, and he with them. They smuggled him on all their travels, so he (who earned the ranks of private and sergeant during his time in service) stayed by their sides, being a comfort animal, being a soldier in actual fights, and even needing (and receiving) therapy for shell-shock. He had a hat and a uniform, and was a decorated war hero, having served between 1914 and 1919. In 1919, Billy was returned to Daisy and lived a nice long life.
My guys loved this story, and loved it because it was true and really happened!
Coming from a farm in the Canadian midwest, Daisy of Broadview, Saskatchewan lent her goat to the Fifth Canadian Battalion to help with training troops as they got ready to head overseas and aid European Allies in World War I. She wanted to say no, but she felt Billy was a lucky goat, and they looked like they needed luck. So off went Billy.
The men bonded with Billy, and he with them. They smuggled him on all their travels, so he (who earned the ranks of private and sergeant during his time in service) stayed by their sides, being a comfort animal, being a soldier in actual fights, and even needing (and receiving) therapy for shell-shock. He had a hat and a uniform, and was a decorated war hero, having served between 1914 and 1919. In 1919, Billy was returned to Daisy and lived a nice long life.
My guys loved this story, and loved it because it was true and really happened!
July 8, 2019
Billy, the goat, met a group of Canadian soldiers while they were preparing to go fight in World War 1, in France. Billy’s owner, Daisy, agreed to let the soldiers borrow him. The colonel didn’t want Billy to go to France, but the soldiers snuck him in a crate on the ship. He was a great encouragement and help to the soldiers throughout the war.
This book is based on a true story. Some basic information about the real Daisy and Billy are included in the back along with a couple of photographs. Children will enjoy the story and the illustrations, especially the goat who is quite endearing. Billy is involved in some silly antics and some serious situations, but most importantly he is a valued comrade.
This book is based on a true story. Some basic information about the real Daisy and Billy are included in the back along with a couple of photographs. Children will enjoy the story and the illustrations, especially the goat who is quite endearing. Billy is involved in some silly antics and some serious situations, but most importantly he is a valued comrade.
June 13, 2019
What a sweet story! I knew dogs and horses were used in wars, even birds, but a billy goat? Who knew! Young kids will enjoy reading about this special goat's adventures in WW1. I am happy to report he made it home safely to Canada and his girl Daisy! Ok, that was a spoiler, but I really don't think kids are reading these reviews and adults might want to know before purchasing the book for their littles. The war was depressing enough without a goat getting maimed. The illustrations are wonderful and will look wonderful. Kids will enjoy the happy smile on Billy's face!
I received a Kindle from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
June 26, 2019
This was a fascinating story. Leave it up to Canadians to adopt a pet goat for the war. (I mean this as an absolutely loving compliment) the fact that the soldiers took Sergeant Billy from a farm in Saskatchewan to the front lines of WWI is very interesting.
It was really great how we got to learn a bit about the war in a kid friendly sort of way. Travelling from Canada, to the front lines and back again.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who’s child is interested in history, or to introduce them to history.
It was really great how we got to learn a bit about the war in a kid friendly sort of way. Travelling from Canada, to the front lines and back again.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who’s child is interested in history, or to introduce them to history.
July 6, 2019
Sergeant Billy was a wonderful historical fiction picture book that taught me something new. I was excited to share it with students and hear what they thought about the goat and his travels. The conversations about the goat's travels, the original owner and the feelings of the soldiers will lead to a greater understanding of how war impacts lives. I enjoyed the book and think it would be good for upper elementary students.
July 30, 2019
What a wonderful true life story of Billy the goat. He was borrowed from a little girl, when to World War One, and just like promised, returned to the little girl years later. He was a mascot, a helping hand, and even sometimes a superhero. Stories like this need to be told. The author did an amazing job, and so did the illustrator. I love that they included real life pictures of Billy at the end. Three cheers for this war hero goat.
August 16, 2019
Sergeant Billy is an inspiring true story. This simple country goat accompanied a group of soldiers all the way to France in the war. He significantly boosted the morale of the soldiers, and he even made his own contributions in battle.
I'd love to share this story with my students. I think they would thoroughly enjoy learning about Sergeant Billy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reading Copy!
#netgalley #sergeantbilly
I'd love to share this story with my students. I think they would thoroughly enjoy learning about Sergeant Billy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reading Copy!
#netgalley #sergeantbilly
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