While it is evident that WWII is happening, and that the soldiers are a part of it, instead of focusing on the atrocities of war, Soldier Bear focuses on Voytek’s activities, moving through WWII in a series of episodes in the life of a bear in the army. Her story is full of joking characters and crazy situations, yet still manages to convey a sense of the gravity of war. Dumon Tak’s words (translated by Laura Watkinson) are clean and crisp, easy to read and understand. Whether he is getting into trouble with fellow camp animals, disturbing the cooks, doing handstands, or taking showers, Voytek is always active and unpredictable. Not only does he win over fellow soldiers, Voytek manages to charm his way into the hearts of the officers in charge, earning himself a place as an enlisted member of the army. The book follows the activities of the group of soldiers who found and raised the bear that they named Voytek. Throughout the war, Voytek is by their side, but what does a bear do during war? This bear gets into scrapes, entertains soldiers, and even helps carry ammunition as an official soldier in the army.ĭumon Tak’s Soldier Bear is fiction, based on the true story of a bear that was a part of Polish troops in WWII. While stationed in Iran during WWII, a group of Polish soldiers adopt a bear cub and name him Voytek. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.
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