Soldier Bear

Winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award

A group of WWII Polish soldiers adopt an orphaned bear cub in this heartwarming story based on a real series of events.

Based on a real series of events during World War II, Soldier Bear tells the story of an orphaned bear cub adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in Iran. The soldiers raise the bear, named Voytek, and eventually enlist him as a soldier to ensure he stays with the company.

Voytek travels with the soldiers from Iran to Italy, and then on to Scotland. His mischief gets him into trouble along with way, but he also provides some unexpected encouragement for the soldiers amidst the reality of war: Voytek learns to carry bombs for the company, saves the camp from a spy, and keeps them constantly entertained with his antics.

Powerful and surprising, Bibi Dumon Tak's story offers readers a glimpse at this fascinating piece of history. Translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson.