Soldier Bear
A Review by Amanda Kendall
Bibliography:
Tak, Bibi Dumon. 2013. Soldier Bear. Illustrated by Philip Hopman. Translated by Laura Watkinson. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0802854360
Plot Summary:
In the midst of World War II, a very unexpected friendship develops. The story begins when a group of Polish soldiers discover a young boy with a Syrian brown bear cub in his bag. Concerned that he will end up in a circus or worse, the soldiers trade a penknife for the cub. They load him in the truck and return to camp with their new friend. The bear, named Voytek, quickly wins over the Commander and is allowed to stay with the unit. For the next five years, Voytek travels with the unit through multiple countries winning the hearts of all those he meets. He becomes a friend, a mascot, and a fellow soldier to the entire unit. He joins them on missions and even carries ammunition. His silly antics and lovable personality keep up the morale of the entire unit and help the soldiers cope with the harsh realities of war. This is not a story about war, but rather a story of friendship between some soldiers and a remarkable bear.
Critical Analysis:
Originally published in the Netherlands, Soldier Bear tells the story of one bear who brought joy to many during a dark and difficult time. Tak blends historical fact with relatable storytelling flawlessly to craft a compelling tale for younger audiences. The first few chapters offer the background of how this unlikely group of friends came together including Voytek (the bear) and Peter, Stanislav, Janusz, Pavel, and Lolek (the Polish soldiers). Each subsequent chapter tells Voytek's story highlighting his escapades around camp, his ongoing feud with Kaska (a monkey), and his loyalty to his friends. Tak's writing is clear and relatable, perfect for younger audiences. By centering Voytek in the story, Tak tells a unique piece of history without the need for extensive background knowledge of World War II or the Polish Armed Forces. He is able to share difficult truths about war in age appropriate ways through the soldiers experiences and memories mixed with Voytek's silliness. Voytek keeps the story light. His antics bring joy and laughter to his unit and the reader alike.
Hopman's soft pencil illustrations compliment the text throughout the novel. From the small bear sketches in the corners of pages to full page drawings of important events, Hopman's subtle style of art brings the story to life. Maps showing the movement of characters throughout the story are also included. Both the illustrations and maps support young readers with their understanding of the story in subtle yet effective ways.
Tak and Hopman are both from the Netherlands, but the main characters in this story are Polish. All the characters, Voytek included, are portrayed as genuine people and friends. They do not always get along and tease each other frequently, but they also demonstrate loyalty to each other and their beloved bear. Although the setting of the story is mostly Pakistan and Italy, the Polish culture surrounds these characters. Polish names are used throughout the story and although the soldiers are part of a British army unit, they give their bear cub a Polish name - Voytek, meaning smiling warrior. Poland is also world famous for their vodka and it serves as an important Polish cultural marker within the story. As a cub, Voytek drinks his milk out of vodka bottle regularly. He is also given a large amount of vodka before he meets the C.O. of the first camp so he will appear docile and cute. He ends up drunk and acting quite silly, but still wins over the C.O. and is allowed to stay. Tak maintains the Polish identify of the soldiers is throughout the story.
The book did not include a list for further reading or a list of references used to write the story. As a narrative based on historical events, copious amounts of research must have been done to write the story with authenticity. I was disappointed that none of these resources were included.
Review Excerpts & Awards:
BOOKLIST (October 15, 2011) "Tak offers an engaging story of grown-up protagonists and situations, focusing on Voytek's exploits and his interactions with a menageries of other animals. Hopman's expressive grease-pencil illustrations add to the story's accessibility, grounding the proceedings with charm."
KIRKUS REVIEWS (August 15, 2011) "Funny, fresh and heartwarming, it doesn't ignore the horrors of war but concentrates on the joy of having an animal friend, albeit a difficult one. Readers of any age do no to know anything about the complicated history of the Polish free forces or even World War II to enjoy this tale of 'a friend and a mascot who made the war easier to bear.'"
KIRKUS REVIEWS (August 15, 2011) "Funny, fresh and heartwarming, it doesn't ignore the horrors of war but concentrates on the joy of having an animal friend, albeit a difficult one. Readers of any age do no to know anything about the complicated history of the Polish free forces or even World War II to enjoy this tale of 'a friend and a mascot who made the war easier to bear.'"
- Mildred L. Batchelder Award Winner, 2012
- USBBY Selection, 2012
- ALA Notable Children's Book, 2012
Curricular Connections:
- Create a poster advertisement for Voytek at the Edinburgh Zoo. Encourage students to include Voytek's special skills, background, and history on the poster.
- Voytek was never forgotten because his image was added to his unit's logo. Design a new logo for the Polish unit that includes Voytek and other elements from the story.
- Pair with an informational text on Syrian brown bears. Have students work in groups to learn more about Syrian brown bears including their physical characteristics, habitat, and status as an endangered animal.
- Voytek was friends with a variety of other animals including a monkey and a dalmatian. Pair with other texts, like Owen & Mzee, to read about other unexpected animal friendships.
