Plot Summary
Based on a true story, Soldier Bear follows the adventures of the 2nd Polish Corps during World War II. When the men encounter an orphan bear cub, they adopt him, and christen him Voytek. Voytek becomes the regiment's mascot for the next five years, through the end of the war.
Critical Analysis
From the very first page of Soldier Bear, the reader is transported to the world of war and occupation. A history lesson unfolds as Dumon Tak retells her version of Voytek the bear and his Polish comrades in arms from 1939-1946. Soldier Bear is a captivatingly sad story of the realities and tragedies of war. However, Dumon Tak is able to bring smiles to this daunting scene as she recounts the discovery of a small brown bear cub who is clinging to life. A group from the 2nd Polish Corps adopt the cub and manage to get him enlisted in their regiment. The men saved the life of the cub and, in return, the cub makes their life in the treacherous war more bearable.
Dumon Tak describes the horrors of war through her characters as Lolek sees two soldiers literally blown to pieces within just a few feet of where he is sitting. Peter tells of finding a boot with someone's leg still in it. Pavel adds to the story by saying he saw a dead soldier whose cigarette was still lit. Dumon Tak does not go into minute detail, but she gives the reader enough information to realize that every day these soldiers were living on the brink of death. This thought helps the reader to understand why having Voytek, the dogs, the monkeys, the pigs, and the birds was so important. These men needed something to distract their minds from replaying the carnage they had witnessed on the battlefield.
Cultural markers are intertwined throughout the story as the Polish soldiers endure the hardships of war. The Russians and the Germans are their enemies and the British and Americans are their allies. Peter and Stanislav are imprisoned by the Russians and barely escape starvation. They must flee their homeland, leaving behind family and friends, just to survive. After joining up with a company of British soldiers, the only thing worse than war is the constant feeling of being homesick. When the soldiers find the bear cub they agree that they must give him a Polish name so the bear can be one of them. Voytek, which is Polish for "smiling warrior," becomes officially listed as a private in the 2nd Polish Corps. The soldiers speak in Polish on occasion but the words are translated into English. After the war is over, when Voytek is placed in a zoo, he ran to the fence when he heard anyone speaking Polish and begged for a cigarette.
The illustrations in Soldier Bear add credence to the authenticity of the historical novel. A map depicting the "peace border" dividing Poland in half, with one side occupied by Germany and the other side occupied by the Soviet Union, serves as a grim visual reminder of the forced evacuation of the Polish people. A map found later in the book tracks the excruciatingly long journey of the soldiers: Russia>Iran>Iraq>Syria>Palestine>Alexandria. Yet another map shows the soldiers seaward journey from Alexandria to the front in Taranto. Other illustrations in Soldier Bear depict what life in the camp might have looked like with tents, cargo trucks, military vehicles, and personnel in varying uniforms. Soldier Bear would not be complete without illustrations of the "smiling warrior", Voytek, and his ragtag group of animal friends: Dottie, Stalin, Kaska, and Kubus.
World War II photographs are included in the back of the book which collaborate the existence of Voytek being involved in the wartime effort. Voytek is shown with a Polish soldier and later sticking his head out of a military vehicle emblazoned with the logo of him carrying an artillery shell. Kaska, the monkey, and her baby, Kubus, are pictured sitting on the hood of a military jeep.
Although the youth of today may not have endured war, they have endured tragedies and perhaps separation from loved ones. The need for comfort and diversion from painful memories is something that can be understood by all generations.
Awards and Honors
Batchelder Award, 2012
American Library Association Notable Children's Books List, 2012
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book, 2012
Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2012
Michigan Reading Association Great Lakes Great Books Award
United States Board on Books for Young People Outstanding International
Books, 2012
Review Excerpts
"While part of the service, Voytek turns heads, wreaks havoc, boosts morale, and performs his official soldierly duties, including moving live ammunition." -- Thom Barthelmess, Booklist, 10/15/2011.
"Kids are sure to fall in love with this bear while being gently introduced to war and being touched by the message of peace." -- Kerry Roeder, Corlears School, New York City, School Library Journal, Nov 2011
"Voytek has his vices, and often enjoys a bottle of beer and a cigarette or two; he eats these, preferably lit. Despite these habits, this is a most unusual and engaging book." -- Susan A. M. Poulter, Cataloguing Librarian, Nashville (Tennessee) Public Library, Library Media Connection, Jan/Feb 2012
Other Books by Bibi Dumon Tak"Voytek has his vices, and often enjoys a bottle of beer and a cigarette or two; he eats these, preferably lit. Despite these habits, this is a most unusual and engaging book." -- Susan A. M. Poulter, Cataloguing Librarian, Nashville (Tennessee) Public Library, Library Media Connection, Jan/Feb 2012
Mikis and the Donkey
The Cow Book
Latino King
Other Books Illustrated by Philip Hopman
Valentine and His Violin by Philip Hopman
Tom the Tamer by Tjibbe Veldkamp
Earth to Stella by Simon Puttock
Visit his website for more information: http://www.philiphopman.nl/
Other Books Translated by Laura Watkinson
The War Within These Walls by Aline Sax
Mister Orange by Truus Matti
The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Anselm Greun
Visit her website for more information: http://www.laurawatkinson.com/
Book Connections
Home Front by Charlie Samuels
Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan; illustrated by Ron Mazellan
War Dogs by Kathryn Selbert
Connection Activities
- Visit the website http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_ii/ for an overview of the events of World War II. Print out the World War II crossword puzzle and/or word search for a fun way to test your knowledge or your student's knowledge of WWII.
- Download the World War II activity pack for primary schools which is located at http://www.secondworldwarni.org/primaryschools/docs/Unit%201%20Activity%20Pack.pdf. This pack includes a timeline of WWII, a map which can be colored to indicate the Allies, Axis, and Neutral countries, actual wartime photos, a glossary, and much more information.
World War II fascinates me from beginning to end, and the illustrations sound interesting, so this book would definitely be one to read.
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