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We Also Served: Amazing True Stories of Brave Military Animals

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Discover the true feats of hero dogs, horses, birds and more with this animal book for kids ages 6-8 History is full of incredible untold tales of courageous animals. We Also Served tells the inspiring stories of the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals throughout history and their vital contributions to military success. Each true story gives readers a lesson in history and a lesson in the importance of these animals' contribution. The perfect gift for animal lovers and military families! 

40 pages, Hardcover

Published July 4, 2023

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Erin McGill

8 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
73 reviews63 followers
April 23, 2023
Good approaching to children for parents to introducing animals as one of importance existence.

"All of us animals courageously did our bit. But some of our human counterparts did not think that we deserved the honor or even healthcare that two-legged soldiers received. Many of us walked the streets unappreciated, without the support or good care we deserved.


Somehow, it's a heartwarming story for me. Sometimes we forget how animals are also part of history, or even that history isn't complete without them.

They fight side by side with us, till the end. They're our friend, and always be.

MY THOUGHTS:
This book is good to me, but let's say that the language or sentences used in here, aren't really appealing to children. This is good, but lacks something. It feels like wikipedia for children.

The color choice is great (truly), but the illustration felt "Ah, uh..." I don't know if that was the author's style, like it was meant to be like that, or if it just "Ah, uh...".
(Ah, Uh... it doesn't mean bad, it was not good nor bad)


CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🐥
Profile Image for Jasmine from How Useful It Is.
1,776 reviews388 followers
September 6, 2023
Read this book for my toddler's bedtime over a couple of nights. We loved learning about animals and their help during the war. It's awesome that many of these military animals received awards for their services. It reminds us to think of them more than just animals because they are smart and helpful. Even on a daily basis, there are dogs that police help to sniff out drugs. I love those birds who delivered messages. I also love the military horse as well as dogs. An excellent read for all ages!

Thank you Sourcebook Kids for the opportunity to read and review!
Profile Image for Ankit Saxena.
916 reviews245 followers
December 12, 2023
This is the story about the speechless animals who took part in the war from the side of Army and served well from their trainings. Animals like Horses & dogs have always been so close to Humans. They have been trained for various purposes. Here in this book, author collated such 50 stories about those famous animals.
They who remained Loyal and served valiantly, but were our unsung heroes. Many countries and not just USA recognised animals and even made memorials for such heroes, India is also one of those Countries.
Just one thought, there should have been realistic pictures to be included in place of graphical representations.

My NetGalley review
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,549 reviews126 followers
February 21, 2025
Each animal is featured with how they came to serve, which war they served in what heroic acts they did. There are pigeons, birds, dogs, horses and more. Fascinating and wonderful to see these animals get the recognition they deserve.
These animals have faithfully and heroically served.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Star Gater.
2,087 reviews63 followers
February 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Explore for accepting my request to read and review We Also Served: True Stories of Brave Animals in the Military and Other Heroic Tales.

Published: 07/04/23

Absolutely fantastic. Animals have been used in times of war from pigeons to rats and everything in between. This book showcases how they came to be, their roles, and tells what happens when the war is over. Each animal independently speaks. It is written from the animal's perspective. Beautifully done.

The sketch-like illustrations work well with the factual tidbits given. The simplicity of both the graphics and words allows the adult to answer questions a child may have appropriately to age.

I would absolutely gift this.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,334 reviews3,625 followers
February 3, 2023
Animals are loyal and they are the best. Let’s acknowledge them!
I feel this is the missing book I was always searching for when it comes to know about how much animals have shown their true self when it comes to serving their purpose for the benefit of human.

This book brings us the stories of the unsung heroes in the form of dogs, cats, horses, birds during the war times. I love this picture storybook so much. Such a great lesson for us.

Definitely going to recommend.

Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, for the advance reading copy.
Profile Image for Christina Close.
413 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2023
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

This book was packed with amazing information about different animals that have been used in the Military whether it was for missions, to be a mascot or to be there for support after the war. There were also animals that were there on 9/11 when the twin towers where hit.

The graphics were a little disappointing to me. I feel like they should have been a little more realistic.

Overall this book was great. The language used in the book is better for older kids, teens and adults. Younger children could enjoy this book but, their parents probably would have to read it to them.
139 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We have a large population of military students in our district and I can tell this would be a fan favorite to add to my shelf. It has many courageous animals who served in different areas of combat and was really informative at the end with what animals could do to serve. I learned several new animal "tails" I am excited to discuss with students.
Profile Image for J.
4,147 reviews25 followers
March 13, 2023
The unsung heroes that are never recognized or very little so have finally been given a book for children to be introduced to just how important soldiers of every merit can be. And this is one book that I would highly recommend even tough I wasn't a fan of its presentation in the first part.

We Also Served starts off with a little Introduction that unfortunately makes it seem that some of these animals had actually volunteered for their services that they were included in. The book then progresses to present a couple brief biographies of several war animals of all formats including dogs like Sergeant Stubby, horses like Sergeant Reckless, cats like the persistent Simon and various feathered fowls including Old Abe and of course Cher Ami just to name a few common names that readers may have heard about.

Other members included in the roster may be much lesser known in their services but that doesn't make them any less important. And a beautiful nod has been given to two dogs in honor of their brave actions on 9/11 even when they aren't even military pups.

Each biography (told by an elaborate partially fictionalized narration of that animal) entry is given on a two-page spread with one page dedicated to a full page illustration and the other including the text. If the animal had received a medal replicas have been included at the bottom of the page while each entry ends on a note of what trait that animal was known for serving.

The book then winds into the second part by explaining the unfortunate aspect of animals that found themselves out of service with the close of war and left behind due to their non-human status. This was rectified by the creation of the Dickin Medal then followed by various laws/amendments that went into place to ensure these soldiers can also make it home.

Finally the book ends on a note of describing the history of various groups of animals in wars and conflicts whether historically or in modern times as well as their contributions to help the humans they were paired with.

My only complaint is the fact that the animal characters were cartoonized instead of real photographs being included. As such readers won't be able to view in some examples the true costs of war for even these most humble soldiers.

Even with the parts that I didn't much care for this is a book that needs to be shared, to be read and talked about just so all the courageous animals, especially the ones not mentioned, can be remembered just as much on those days when we strive to remember the sacrifices that have given us our freedom.

The book then leaves th

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Kristine L..
662 reviews50 followers
February 7, 2023
Get ready for a rich and wonderful read with We Also Served: True Stories of Brave Animals in the Military and Other Heroic Tales.

This book introduces young readers to unsung animal heroes of war and conflict, including those with wings, whiskers, paws, and hooves. Within these deliciously illustrated pages, readers will discover “Sergeant Stubby,” the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry regiment. Also Old Abe, a Civil War mascot eagle with the Eagle Regiment, now known as the 101st Airborne Division (now you know where the logo comes from).

We also learn about the fist search and rescue dog deployed in war, Rip. He’s credited with saving over 100 lives during World War II. There’s also “Sergeant Reckless,” an indomitable military horse who carried almost five tons of supplies in five days to her fellow Marines during the Korean War. There’s also the first therapy dog, a carrier pigeon, and bomb-sniffing dogs. Two guide dogs who stayed calm and helped guide people down the World Trade Center stairs to safety on 9/11 are included. Also a dog named Judy. Captured by the Japanese along with American G.I.s during WWII, Judy was the only animal to be a registered POW.

From the U.S. Civil War to world wars, Korea, Vietnam, 9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq, each animal has a unique and distinctive story within a specific historical setting. The overall theme of the book – how animals are unsung heroes in these settings – comes through loud and clear.

Also discussed is how these animals deserve not only our thanks but also our tangible appreciation, like good healthcare upon retirement. The history of the Dickin Medal, specifically created and designed to honor service animals, is also included. So is Robby’s Law, which allows U.S. military working dogs to be adopted.

Erin McGill’s supreme storytelling provides a fascinating account of these unsung heroes of conflict and war, creating a compelling and captivating book for children ages four to eight. Indeed, We Also Served is a powerful and moving account of some remarkable animal heroes whose stories deserve a wide audience. It will resonate with children and those who love them. I loved it!
9,748 reviews139 followers
September 11, 2023
I found pluses and minuses with this book, about animals working in the military, or as something like rescue dogs in time of war. I loved the way it gently told me – and all other readers – that there were still military horses in the Korean War, and it's brilliant that it showed all the major medals, regalia and stripes duly earned by each and every entrant, where possible. But the citations were the author's own (and at one point use a word that will get this laughed out of town at any British school), and I wanted more veracity in the biographies. That might be awkward with a hundred words at most, but the first mutt here was a case in point – did he salute and la-di-dah in mimicry of his humans, or did he really save lives and contribute completely meaningfully? The jury on the basis of these short entries is out. But never fear, there is a potted history of this stuff, species by species, at the end, that makes up for any such petty quibbles. It doesn't quite redeem the artwork, unfortunately… A slightly generous – ie gallantly-given – four stars.
1,367 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2023
This is a children's book that provides a lot of information about many species of animals that have assisted with military operations and service. I had no idea that at one time there was a U.S. Army Signal Pigeon Corps (discontinued in 1957) and over 90% of messages were received; there were over 3,000 soldiers and 54,000 pigeons serving in this Corps during WWII.

This children's book packs a lot of information into 42 pages and covers a wide range of topics from individual animals to some groups that support military service animals.

Very well done. The book does not contain photos, but does have illustrations which are also by Erin McGill the author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Erin McGill the author and illustrator and to Sourcebooks/kids the publisher. Expected publication date is July 2023.
Profile Image for Natalie.
291 reviews10 followers
July 11, 2023
“We Also Served” is a quick overview of some of the animals who have served alongside humans during war. From the story of Sgt. Stubby, a dog, who served in World War I, to an assortment of birds, horses, and even cats. The stories of each animal are short and easy to understand. The illustrations are child-like in their colorful simplicity.

I knew many of these stories and have even shared some of them with my students (who are always surprised that animals have served in war). I enjoyed seeing the medals earned by the animals. This is definitely a book for younger children as it leaves out some of the more unsavory aspects of our relationships with animals in wartime.

This is a great book for children who love animals and want to learn more about how they served in war.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,992 reviews101 followers
February 21, 2023
This book has cute, childlike illustrations and brief bios about different animals who have served during wartime. The book isn't organized chronologically, which I would have preferred, but the author spaced out different animals and their heroic deeds in a way that feels fresh and not repetitive. Highly sensitive children may be distressed by some of the details related to war and physical injuries, but this is a great book for school-age kids who are interested in the amazing things that animals have done to save lives and help their human companions. The author also includes helpful information about how policies have changed over time to better support animal military veterans.

I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,532 reviews102 followers
March 8, 2023
This book is a simple tribute to many of the animals who served with their country's armed forces in times of war, including two guide dogs who helped many in the towers disaster. There were the pigeon corps in WW1, a dog who became a POW in WW2, and even the British Camel corps. There are many specific animals who served and had to wait decades for their service to be recognized. This is a great book for all ages.
The illustrations by the author are fun, simple, colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Explore via NetGalley. Thank you!
Profile Image for Michele.
2,521 reviews67 followers
June 20, 2023
I would like to thank the publisher, Soucebooks, for the advance copy of this book for my honest review.

Needing to take a break from the memoir, Marla’s Cat, I reached for this book. The first page says it all, “We animals are the unsung heroes of conflict. . .Even in the bleakest times of war, we give companionship and strength.” This book gives numerous examples of how our animal friends helped us through some difficult times whether they were mascots or workers. Thank goodness for Maria Dickinson for getting the acknowledgment that they so deserve. Illustrations are a bit rough but adds to the atmosphere of the stories. My 5yo grandson had a great deal of interest and questions about this topic. My 3yo granddaughter was half interested.
1,036 reviews8 followers
February 4, 2023
This is a nice beginners book about what animals have done for humans in the war. The dogs, horses, birds and rats who risk their live for the humans they serve. It is nice that the animals are getting the recognition they deserve and that some animals are now able to live with their handlers instead of other alternatives. There is a small story about Lucca the dog that serves the Marines which I heard about in an audiobook called, "Top Dog," that goes into details about her life and how devoted she was to her job. It very touching and wonderful and happy it was in this book.

The book is very easy and quick to read and has wonderful illustration. I wish there were more stories.

I want to thank SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Explore and NetGalley for this great story.
Profile Image for Val.
23 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2023
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley & Sourcebook. This is a great resource for not only kids, but everyone. Animals are often the forgotten heroes of war, so I appreciate literature that sheds light on their duties and sacrifices. This book includes a wide range of animals, from household pets to marine species. It is written in first person narrative from the perspective of the animal that served.

I can definitely see myself sharing this with my students for Veteran’s Day, 4th of July, or Memorial Day. Great information and fun illustrations that are respectful for the subject.
449 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2023
I loved this book. I did not realize how many different animals had been used by our armed forces in the past. I knew about the service dogs but I didn't know about the service elephant. Elephants were used in World War II to help haul heavy artillery. Pigeons were used in World War II as well and they flew through extreme conditions. Of course horses were used throughout time in many different wars. In the 50's the Navy used the study of dolphins to learn how to move through the water. I really think children will be fascinated at the many ways different animals were used during war time.
Profile Image for Melki.
7,530 reviews2,658 followers
August 6, 2023
This is a nice tribute to some unsung heroes - working animals who served loyally and valiantly in wars and other moments of crisis. You'll learn about dogs, horses, cats, and birds who served alongside soldiers, lending their unique talents to the war effort. Their stories are inspiring and touching.

I was most interested to learn about "Robby's Law", passed in 2000, which allowed U.S. military working dogs to be adopted by returning soldiers who had formed "strong bonds with their canine companions." It's sad that it took so long for this to happen.

Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for the read.
Profile Image for Rebecca Parten.
120 reviews20 followers
December 29, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids, Sourcebooks Explore for an advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

This is a surprisingly thorough picture book about animals that served in both American and international battles / conflicts. The first half of the book features specific stories and examples with gorgeous illustrations of the animals and any medals they received. The second half of the book described examples of animals that have served other than dogs. For example, glowworms! This is a great book for a classroom library as well as a home library of any kid who likes animals.
Profile Image for Nadina.
3,304 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2026
This wasn't bad, though I don't really feel like these animals really VOLUNTEERED for war. Also, I don't think I would have been able to give up my pet to put it into war. This book definitely took the positive outlook, mentioning only those animals who were heroic and who survived, not the many many who did not. It also barely touches on the fact that many animals died, mentioning really only that they did not all receive the full care/medical treatment they needed. This is probably because it is a kids book, but mentioning they weren't all taken care of was also the opportunity to mention the survival of the animals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Caroline.
2,348 reviews29 followers
August 30, 2023
I thought this was a very interesting topic for a book and that the author handled it well. I could see this being a good jumping off point for young readers who love animals and want to learn more about working animals.

Each entry is short, which I appreciated, but it has good information and a chance for readers to go out and learn more. The text sometimes seemed to be a bit more adult directed, but this could work well in a classroom. The illustrations were sort of fun and childlike and made the book seem a bit more fun.
381 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for this free ebook copy of “ We Also Served”;by Erin McGill in exchange for a honest review.This is a perfect book for pet loving children who like to read about brave animals that played a part in saving soldiers during war, civilians that were trapped during disasters and providing emotional support in many different incidences.There are many interesting stories in this book about brave and heroic animals.Great for mid elementary school readers.
Profile Image for Amberleigh Million • a.millionbooks.
653 reviews22 followers
February 21, 2023
We're an Army family and I just found one of our new favorite children's books. The book is a compilation of individual stories of brave animals in the military. The stories are told from the animals' perspectives, each unique and educational. I love when children's books are just as entertaining for us parents and this one definitely was. The sketch-like illustrations are also excellent. This book would make a great gift and is perfect for the classroom.

I cannot wait for the pub date (7/4/23) so I can grab a hard copy for my boys.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Desiree Trott.
208 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2023
I read this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book is an excellent addition to your classroom collection of books to share around Remembrance Day/Veterans Day. While it focuses much of its attention on the animals who were used during various wars by American soldiers, they do touch on animals used around the world. Canadian teachers like myself can easily draw the connections to Canadian war animals like Winnie.
Profile Image for Alice.
5,741 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2024
4 stars
Did you know that animals have played a valuable role in military history? Since ancient times, animals have been used in warfare. In more modern times, these animals have not always been given the respect and appreciation they deserved. The author highlights some animals (mostly dogs) that have faithfully and courageously served their human companions in war or times of extreme danger.
103 reviews
February 10, 2023
Beautiful and moving stories about animals. Great for children and adults of all ages. I'm sure this will help build love for animals and nature in children. Thank you the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for sending me this e-ARC.
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
1,030 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2023
I loved the premise of this book and how animals helped throughout history. However, the graphics and the way the words were on the pages didn't make this an easy book to read. The information was fantastic, but the artwork was lacking.

Thanks to NetGalley & Edelweiss for the ARCs!
18 reviews
June 19, 2023
This is a wonderful book which gives information on how annuals have served in the military in various capacities. I love the use of rich, high level vocabulary words used on each page to really get readers thinking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews