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8th out of 21 books
—
2 voters
Soldier Bear
Winner of the 2012 Batchelder AwardBased on a real series of events that happened 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 and eventually enlist him as a soldier to ensure that he stays with the company. He travels with them from Iran to Italy, and then on to Scotlan...more
Hardcover, 145 pages
Published
August 22nd 2011
by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
(first published 2008)
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I really enjoyed this unusual novel, though it hardly seemed like a children's book, as the characters were all Polish soldiers and animals. Translated from the Dutch, this story based on true events is about a group of Polish soldiers captured by the Russians in World War II and sent to join the British in Iran. While in the desert one day, the group encounters a young boy with a baby bear in a sack, which they obtain by trading food for the bear. They keep it as a pet and mascot, and the bear...more
This book tells the story of a group of Polish soldiers who trade a bunch of miscellaneous items for a baby bear cub who they raise and take with them into World War II to fight. This novel tells one of the many stories within the scope of World War II that works out the relationship between some Polish soldiers and the bear cub they raised to love. Through a series of trials, such as bomb carrying, combat and spies, the bear and his companion soldiers fight through the crazy ordeals of World wa...more
Dec 04, 2012
Ed
added it
Tak, B.D. (2012). Soldier bear. (Ill. by P. Hopman). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. 147 pp. ISBN: 978-0-8028-5375-2. (Hardcover); $13.00.
Private Voytek carried his artillery shell carefully to the next soldier in line to whom he passed it and then hurried back to get the next heavy shell. Voytek repeated this artillery transport until the trucks were unloaded. After working, Voytek enjoyed a cigarette or a beer. Many of us would have been more inclined to give Voytek a raw s...more
Private Voytek carried his artillery shell carefully to the next soldier in line to whom he passed it and then hurried back to get the next heavy shell. Voytek repeated this artillery transport until the trucks were unloaded. After working, Voytek enjoyed a cigarette or a beer. Many of us would have been more inclined to give Voytek a raw s...more
Soldier Bear is a story based on a historical event. A unit of the Polish army takes in a bear cub, they name Voytek, who becomes completely integrated in their unit. The emblem of the transport company is changed to a picture of a bear holding artillery shell. Voytek provides friendship and comfort for the soldiers facing the difficulties of war. Much needed comic relief is provided by Voytek as he gets into all sorts of "trouble" throughout the book.
This book does a good job telling about a re...more
This book does a good job telling about a re...more
Somehow, this story makes me very uncomfortable. I think it has to do with with the presence of animals in the story. It just makes it so easy to anthropomorphize which really shouldn't happen in a realistic story. The audience is definitely younger children than most historical fiction or World War II novels. Consequently, it makes sense to avoid some of the realistic problems of having a bear in a war camp- I'm sure that there were occasionally war injuries and bears eat quite a lot, further d...more
Soldier Bear by Bibi Dumon Tak illustrated by Philip Hopman, tells the story of an orphaned bear cub, named Voytek, adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in Iran, who raise him and travel with him throughout WWII.
Polish soldiers raise the bear cub and eventually enlist him as a soldier to ensure that he stays with their company. Traveling with them from Iran to Italy to Scotland, Voytek's mischevious antics both annoy and entertain them, providing distractions from the horror of WWII. Voytek als...more
Polish soldiers raise the bear cub and eventually enlist him as a soldier to ensure that he stays with their company. Traveling with them from Iran to Italy to Scotland, Voytek's mischevious antics both annoy and entertain them, providing distractions from the horror of WWII. Voytek als...more
Many writers have made it clear just how hellish war is, and how hard it is to hold onto the shreds of humanity that exist in the hearts of soldiers during conflict. Based on actual events that occurred during WWII, this story describes how a group of Polish soldiers stationed in Iran adopt a Syrian brown bear cub who becomes the mascot and symbol of the transport company of the 2nd Polish Corps. As the cub grows to become more than six feet tall, he and the other animals that accompany the troo...more
n this charming novel for children, Dutch author Bibi Dumon Tak fictionalizes the true story of an orphaned Syrian brown bear cub who's adopted by a group of Polish soldiers during World War II, eventually becoming the unit's beloved mascot. The mischievous bear cub was named Voytek (smiling warrior) by the soldiers. As the soldiers journeyed through Iran and Iraq on their way to their assignment in Palestine to join their Brtish allies, even the officers softened at the adorable teddy bear of a...more
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A bear, a very smart bear, wonders away from his sleeping master into a camp. He was spotted in the women's quarters of a Polish signals unit. Discovered by Peter, his master and a new friend Stanislav. The story begins, during World War II. Russia and Poland are in a battle and with Germany invading so many countries, Poland and Russia decided they would join the war against Germany. Peter and Stanislav along with two others were assigned to take a truck load of equipment to Palestine. On the w...more
A sweet story, good for older grade school and middle school (could be used for second grade and up, but I'd recommend parents and teachers read along with younger children; there are one, maybe two chapters younger and more sensitive readers may find upsetting). This is based on the true story of Voytek, a bear who is adopted by a group of Polish soldiers as a cub. Voytek, along with the other animal mascots, causes his share of trouble in the unit -- hogging the shower water, and mooching for...more
Book #67 Read in 2012
Soldier Bear (YA) by Bibi Dumon Tak
This book was based on the true story of a bear cub, adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, and his place in their patroon. The soldiers decide that the bear, named Voytek, is their mascot and they bring them along with him--even though he steals their Christmas dinner, even though he begs for food, even though he takes up most of the bed. Voytek also brings them joy, love and a connection that they desperately need in a horrific t...more
Soldier Bear (YA) by Bibi Dumon Tak
This book was based on the true story of a bear cub, adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, and his place in their patroon. The soldiers decide that the bear, named Voytek, is their mascot and they bring them along with him--even though he steals their Christmas dinner, even though he begs for food, even though he takes up most of the bed. Voytek also brings them joy, love and a connection that they desperately need in a horrific t...more
Summary:
This story was inspired by true events that occurred during WWII. It is a story about a Syrian Brown Bear who is adopted by a group of Polish soldiers, and how he helps keep up their morale and becomes a highly valued member of their division. Among the death and destruction of war, Voytek helps bring a sense of humanity and life into times that would otherwise seem depressing. The back of this book has photos of the real Voytek and some of his caretakers.
How I would use this book with...more
This story was inspired by true events that occurred during WWII. It is a story about a Syrian Brown Bear who is adopted by a group of Polish soldiers, and how he helps keep up their morale and becomes a highly valued member of their division. Among the death and destruction of war, Voytek helps bring a sense of humanity and life into times that would otherwise seem depressing. The back of this book has photos of the real Voytek and some of his caretakers.
How I would use this book with...more
Always interesting to see what wins the Batchelder Award for a foreign language children's book translated into English. This book is a one of a kind historical fiction. Voytek was a orphaned bear cub who was rescued by Polish troops in World War II. When he grew up, he learned to carry bombs, captured a spy in the soldiers' camp, and brought humor and humanity to the company on a daily basis. (These Polish troops also traveled with a monkey and two dogs!) I am very sensitive to the suffering an...more
A young bear is adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in this heart warming, non-fiction chapter book by Bibi Dumon Tak. "Soldier Bear" is a story of a brown bear named Voytek and the mischief and adventures he goes through as a mascot for the Polish army in World War II. Even though the background of the story is about the war, for the most part the story is uplifting as you never know what kind of trouble Voytek will get into next. Based on a true story this book has black and white pictures o...more
Voytek (smiling warrior) is the most unlikely of soldiers. For one thing, he's a bear. He does have a lot in common with the Polish soldiers who adopt him in Iran during World War II: he drinks beer, smokes, and carries artillery shells. Those things are strange enough, but what makes Voytek win over people who are terrified of him (he's a 6' bear, remember) is his playful camaraderie and gentle antics. He gets on bad sides when he uses all the shower water to stay cool, but he more than makes u...more
This is such a great book about a bear who is abandoned and picked up by a group of Polish soldiers during World War II. There's a series of events in the story about the bear growing up and getting into trouble. There are other animals that come along in the story that keep the soldiers entertained. It is a great story about a lonely bear and soldiers coming together to keep each other company and feel like a family. I love the story behind the book about war and it is a great book for upper el...more
Audience: This book is best suited for grades 4th-6th. It is a little bit longer of a book but it still has larger print. It is based on true events from World War Two. It is cute because it has the bear in it.
Appeal: This book is based on a true story from World War Two. It is about a bear cub who was orphaned and adopted in by the polish. This book would appeal to boys and girls who like to read about history.
Activity: I would have my students read this while we were learning about World War...more
Appeal: This book is based on a true story from World War Two. It is about a bear cub who was orphaned and adopted in by the polish. This book would appeal to boys and girls who like to read about history.
Activity: I would have my students read this while we were learning about World War...more
-World War II, Polish Soldiers
-"Private Voytek" rescued as a cub in Iran and enlisted as a soldier
-Frequently gets into mischief, but is valued as a soldier as he knows how to help transport ammunition, and also intimidates spies and anyone else being interrogated
-Focuses more on lighthearted aspects of the war, such as soldier
camaraderie and antics, but also addresses the hardships of war.
-Black and white line illustrations, as well as actual photos of Voytek, soldiers and Kaska on back pages.
-...more
-"Private Voytek" rescued as a cub in Iran and enlisted as a soldier
-Frequently gets into mischief, but is valued as a soldier as he knows how to help transport ammunition, and also intimidates spies and anyone else being interrogated
-Focuses more on lighthearted aspects of the war, such as soldier
camaraderie and antics, but also addresses the hardships of war.
-Black and white line illustrations, as well as actual photos of Voytek, soldiers and Kaska on back pages.
-...more
Apr 12, 2012
Melanie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
children-s-literature,
bears,
soldiers,
italy,
world-war-ii,
mascots,
historical-fiction,
poland,
iran
Based on actual events, Soldier Bear tells the story of Voytek, the brown bear who joins the Polish regiment of the British troops in Iran. Four soldiers discover the bear in the care of a young boy who willingly gave him up in exchange for food and money. The soldiers convince the commanding officer to let the bear remain in the Polish Corps. The bear even becomes a member!
The story follows the men as they struggle to win the war. Voytek's antics provide much needed amusement during this time....more
The story follows the men as they struggle to win the war. Voytek's antics provide much needed amusement during this time....more
I really like this book -- it was often quite funny; the attention to historical detail was well done, considering the otherwise adult nature of WWII. But there wasn't much action or character development. To be fair, much of the potential action might not be appropriate for younger audiences, and what character development could one expect from a bear? But I'm still left thinking that this was a collection of cute vignettes about a bear who "served" in WWII with a Polish regiment. I rather want...more
Audience- 4th-6th graders, history teachers, and anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Appeal- A historical fiction story, based on the true story of a group of Polish soliders who adopt a bear cub and other animals while stationed in Iran during World War II. The book gives a very human look at war through the eyes of the soldiers who love these animals, even those the animals create many problems for them. Parents may object to the fact that Voytek, the bear, smokes cigarettes and drinks beer w...more
Appeal- A historical fiction story, based on the true story of a group of Polish soliders who adopt a bear cub and other animals while stationed in Iran during World War II. The book gives a very human look at war through the eyes of the soldiers who love these animals, even those the animals create many problems for them. Parents may object to the fact that Voytek, the bear, smokes cigarettes and drinks beer w...more
Voytek is the kind of pet any child would love to imagine. He is so much more delightful because this is based on a true story --he really was a member of an allied military division and he truly made the war more "bearable," even enjoyable for the soldiers who befriended him and all others who encountered him. This book evokes a lot more laughter than tears. It also includes interesting historical context, including maps of WWII regions and a simple, "kid-speak" version of Poland's unique predi...more
What an amazing true story! And you just couldn’t ask for a better read-aloud book to share with your 3rd or 4th grader who is ready for that transition to stories with a little difficult material. Mostly, this book is pure fun. But one chapter (ch. 14) addresses--very tactfully and responsibly--the realities of war. Another (ch. 19) deals with the sad fate of one of the book’s four animal characters. My daughter went from sheer delight, to convincing herself not to cry, and then to declaring th...more
Audience: 4th to 8th grade students study WWII history.
Appeal: This is a great and easy read for students interested in WWII. The story is about a bear who gets bought and is used for work. There is talk about the history of WWII but not in too much detail that it's overbearing. It focuses more on the importance of having a friend and companion in times of trouble and strife. It talks about getting through things together and that having somebody with you is all you need in life.
Batchelder Awa...more
Appeal: This is a great and easy read for students interested in WWII. The story is about a bear who gets bought and is used for work. There is talk about the history of WWII but not in too much detail that it's overbearing. It focuses more on the importance of having a friend and companion in times of trouble and strife. It talks about getting through things together and that having somebody with you is all you need in life.
Batchelder Awa...more
Audience:4th- 6th grade boy and girls, anyone who enjoys WWII era, history lovers and/or anyone who is looking for a cute book about an adorable bear.
Appeal: During WWII a group of Polish soldiers come across a bear and they decide to keep it and raise it. I usually don't get into history stuff that much, but this story was so cute. The bear, Voytek travels all over with a group of soldiers. He couldn't be any sweeter and any more adorable. I really liked this book and with the short chapters,...more
Appeal: During WWII a group of Polish soldiers come across a bear and they decide to keep it and raise it. I usually don't get into history stuff that much, but this story was so cute. The bear, Voytek travels all over with a group of soldiers. He couldn't be any sweeter and any more adorable. I really liked this book and with the short chapters,...more
Stanislav and Peter are best friends who stick by each other through thick and thin. That includes the invasion of Poland and the duration of World War II. As transporters of the British army supplies, Stanislav, Peter, and three of their other friends discover a boy and a bear in the desert of Iraq. They trade some things for the bear cub that they call Voytek, but they have no idea what they are in for. Over time, the bear becomes a legend in the war and becomes the mascot for the 2nd Polish C...more
Soldier Bear is the tale of Polish soldiers in WWII who adopt a baby bear. The soldiers had been prisoners in Russia; when they were released the went to the Middle East as a transport company. One day they came across a young boy with a bear cub in a sack. They traded food for the cub and he became Private Voytek, their mascot. The soldiers raised Voytek and the entire company came to love him. Voytek was almost human in the way he acted. He helped the soldiers carry things and always wanted to...more
Audience: young history lovers who also enjoy animal books. Best suited for third-fifth grade students. It is based on a true story.
Appeal: This would be a great book to have students read to supplement a world war two unit. The book shares a heart-warming, 'true' story about a bear cub taken in by a Polish troop and trained to carry bombs. Many people would find this an unbelievable tale. However, it is based on true events thus making it a great read!
2012 Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Appeal: This would be a great book to have students read to supplement a world war two unit. The book shares a heart-warming, 'true' story about a bear cub taken in by a Polish troop and trained to carry bombs. Many people would find this an unbelievable tale. However, it is based on true events thus making it a great read!
2012 Mildred L. Batchelder Award
This book is a great example of why I enjoy reading books that were originally published in a language other than English. Even though Soldier Bear is a story about war, it's narrative focuses on one part of the story in a straightforward way. This book is well-written and will appeal to animal-lovers, whether or not they usually read historical fiction. I really enjoyed reading this mostly true story of a beer-drinking, cigarette-eating, peaches-stealing loveable bear.
Loved this book! The authors make the unlikely, true story of an Iranian bear learning Polish and becoming a member of the British army come alive. Though I love history, I'd never heard of this bit of World War II before, and was entranced by the anecdotal story interwoven with grim glimpses of the horrors of war. This story of friendships and animals (the Soldier Bear is not the only one we encounter) is enhanced by delightful illustrations and photos.
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May 09, 2012 07:11am
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I like that--Mt. TBR. Mine is getting to be as hig...more
May 09, 2012 07:17am