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)

The true story of an orphaned bear cub who grew into a World War ll hero alongside his brothers in arms.

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Animals, Childrens, Biography, War

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Susan Hood is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Ada's Violin; Lifeboat 12; The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics; Shaking Things Up; Titan and the Wild Boars: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team; and We Are One: How the World Adds Up.

Susan 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 that serves as an inspiration to young people.”

COMING IN MARCH, 2022!
Susan's newest book is Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis. Co-authored with Anna's (a.k.a. Zhanna's) son Greg Dawson, this biography in verse celebrates the life-saving power of the arts.

Reviews

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

Via this nonfiction picture book I learned about Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear, and his journey "serving" in World War II with the Polish II Corps, 22nd Artillery Supply Company. An enlisted bear!
Could be a useful bit of history for trivia some day.

I liked the note on the 22nd Artillery Supply Company's insignia of Wojtek the war hero carrying a shell.
Like Wojtek, my grandfather was an ammunitions supplier, and also a war hero - awarded a Silver Star Medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 81st Infantry Division during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Their insignia was the wildcat.
With that Silver Star he received a Purple Heart for the wounds and shrapnel he carried home with him.

It's important to remember and tell their stories.
The author did an excellent job with her research and sources.

[Justine Cucchi-Dietlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't understand why people make up history on TikTok when stuff like this is real.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII from a point of view that I haven't seen before. The end matter added that special touch.

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘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.

Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Nora Grimmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute tale and is so fun for young kids who love animal non-fiction I really hope that you can have a good time reading it.

[Amy Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the subtitle says it all: "A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him." Wonderful illustrations and back matter that includes archival photos and a timeline (!) round out this excellent work of nonfiction for young readers!
Thank you to HarperCollins for providing a prepublication e-galley of this title.

[Flossmoor Public Library (IL) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Brothers in Arms tells the true story of Wojtek (pronounced VOY-tek), a brown bear who was adopted by members of the Polish II Corps during World War Two. The Polish soldiers cared for Wojtek while they served during the war by giving him rations, playing with him, and filling the general role of his "mama bear." The soldiers' love for Wojtek was so strong that they officially enlisted him as Private Wojtek Mis (Private Wojtek Teddy Bear) when they were told Wojtek could not be part of the Corps. Wojtek helped the soldiers with some official tasks but, more importantly, he helped the soldiers to feel less lonely and afraid during the war.

This story is one I had never heard of and was completely enthralled by. The story itself is interesting, but it is enhanced by the illustrations, which are very well done. I also appreciated the pronunciation directions at the beginning of the story as I don't speak Polish and do not have any idea how to pronounce Polish words and names properly. The book also includes historical notes and a timeline, which add to the nonfiction nature of the book. Recommended for anyone who wants a unique, but true, story.

~ Miss Anna

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. Can it get any cuter? This book tells the story of a little bear that became a WWII hero. Yes, you heard me right. A bear! These are the little known stories that will intrigue children and make them want to learn other cool things about the history of the world and wars. The illustrations are adorable and the actual photographs in the back will just melt your heart. Go, find it, read it now! A solid 3rd-4th (maybe even 5th and 6th for the sheer random fact wow-factor). Could also be a nice one for the Charlie May list since it covers 4th.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would have thought soldiers would adopt an orphan bear? And what would they do with it? This is the true story of what became of the bear the soldiers named Wojtek. The bear did just about everything with the soldiers: eat, sleep, shower, march. He was as much of a comrade as the real soldiers were. There are plenty of illustrations as well as photos included. There is also a timeline, facts about bears, a map showing Wojtek's travels, a list of sources as well as a list of recommended reads. Children will find Wojtek's story captivating and learn a great deal also.

[Laura Masters (School) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little brown bear, later to be named Wojtek, finds its way to living with Polish soldiers during WWII. It seems improbable that a bear could be part of an army corps, but he he is a guiding force to keep moral up among the troops. We follow his life with the army and the amazing ways he contributed; like catching a spy and carrying heavy crates.

Rec: Such a fun read aloud to spark an interest in heartfelt stories, as well as intriguing kids with other nonfiction topics that kids don't always look for to read. Well written, great illustrations, and further information at the back.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hood shares a story of a bear in the armed forces during WWII. The story itself is quite straightforward and easily read. The backmatter is impressive including a timeline, resources for further information, and black and white photographs. Jamie Green does a great job depicting the bear and the military people and situations along the way. I love the map for better understanding of the travels of this beloved war comrade.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole family enjoyed this picture book. The true story of an orphaned bear cub taken in by Polish soldiers was interesting and entertaining. While the story did leave my child with several questions, the additional facts at the back of the book (including photos, map, and timeline) were very informative.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story of how a unit of Polish soldiers adopted a bear named Wojtek (Polish for happy warrior), during World War II who became an important member of the team and a symbol of the resistance movement.

A moving and emotional slice of history, beautifully told (but couldn't get my kid to read it).

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story of Wojtek, a brown bear, who was adopted by Polish soldiers and became a corporal. A warm fuzzy story from WWII (pun intended). For fans of Finding Winnie. I'm so glad Wojtek got to live a good life beyond war.

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the story of Wojtek and this is such an adorable way to share him with kids! It shares about hardships in a gentle manner but leaves you feeling their pain as well as their joys! Very well written!

[CindySR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm half Polish and I had a great uncle named Wojtek (Voy-tek). I love how the soldiers saved the bear! I love how this is a true story. I love the Edinburgh Zoo and the beautiful sculpture honoring Wojtek and his friends. History kids should know.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an extraordinary story about an amazing bear! Speaks so well to the bond between humans and other animals, the way that we can save each other and do incredible things. Plus my sister lives in Poland now and it was fun to read about Polish heroes. Loved the illustrations as well!

[Ksenia]

The more that people know about Wojtek the Bear, the better :)

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this book about a bear that becomes a member of General Anders Army of Polish recruits

[Ilse O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s wild that there was yet another bear kept as a pet by armed forces during a World War.

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool. Bears are awesome.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming story. My daughter absolutely couldn't wait to get started reading about the 'war bear'!

[Viviana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about true events.

[Lauren Zygowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last summer we saw the memorial statue to Wojtek in Krakow. Fun book to learn more about this famous bear.

[James Krotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical story. Very accessible for kids of all ages

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is a children's picture book, I learned several things about World War 2 while reading. Great book for kids and parents to share!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! A true story that tells it like it was, and is funny, touching and different.
The extra resources (pictures, other books, websites, etc) were very much appreciated.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wotjek the bear is adopted by a group of Polish soldiers, who were freed from the Gulag so they could fight Hitler. He causes trouble (eating their food, wasting their water, and tangling up their clothing) but boosts morale and becomes a mascot. They end up enlisting him so he can join them as they travel to other locations. When the war ends, he moves to Scotland with many of the Polish soldiers, and ends up in the zoo. Extensive backmatter including photos of the actual Wotjek, historical notes, timeline, maps, recommended reading, and sources. Except for the death of Wotjek's dog playmate after being stung by a scorpion, the harsher realities of war are avoided in this book.