Culture 1 – Multicultural and International
Books
Dumon Tak, Bibi. 2011. Ill. by Phillip Hopman. Soldier bear. Translated by Laura
Watkinson. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN
9780802853752
Brief Plot Summary
During World War II a group of five Polish soldiers join
forces with the British military stationed in Iran to defeat the Germans and
eventually return to free Poland. One day the group has an encounter with a young
Iranian child toting a bag that was moving. The soldier’s discovery the bag
contains a small bear. The soldiers trade small a penknife, a small can of
corned beef, and some money for the bear. The soldiers name the bear, Voytek,
meaning ‘smiling warrior’. The bear soon endears himself to many in the camp
and becomes the official mascot of the army camp. Their journey takes them from
Iran, to Palestine, Greece, then Italy, and ending in Scotland Along the way
Voytek causes mischief and adventure with his fondness for lit cigarettes and
beer. The bear is one of a few other animals also inhabiting the camp that keep
the soldiers entertained. Voytek soon becomes an active participant in the war
by helping to haul artillery shells and other items within the unit. He
officially becomes a member of the 2nd Polish Corps. As news of the
war’s end reaches the soldiers, a decision is made to have Voytek remain in
Scotland at a zoo for the rest of his days. He gave a group of men the courage
during a difficult time in history to face each day’s danger. Voytek supplied
the men with a brief escape from each day’s harsh realities.
Critical Analysis
The story of Voytek, the bear, is set against the
horrendous events of WWII with the invasion of Poland and Germany’s rein of
terror across Europe. The storyline focuses on a group of individuals who serve
as supply carriers and how a the everyday events surrounding a bear help those
serving in a war lighten the burden they must deal with daily. Considering that
two of the main characters had escaped a war prison at the beginning of the
story, their escape and reunion is handled with humor. For example, when Peter
realizes that he is speaking to his no lost friend, he is only recognizable by
the sound of his voice because of his sunken face and “ragged stranger’s eyes.”
The physical features are described accurately for those who have served
military duty and the effects of prison camp. Characters are described as “skeletons”,
“sunken face”, and looking into the face of a man who looked more dead than
alive”. Character names such as Stanislav, Lolek, Pavel, and Janusz are
representative of the each man’s Polish culture. The characters of Peter and
Stanislav identify with their Polish culture strongly, especially when they
decide to join forces with British troops to free their homeland. The only
startling moment that actually pertained to the harshness of war happens in
chapter 14 when Lolek was to pick up two soldiers when a shell landed I front
of them. The language offers graphic details of blown up bodies and “ a boot
with someone’s leg in it.” An older audience of students might be more equipped
to engage in discussion over the text.
The pencil
illustrations created by Philip Hopman invoke a sense of humor and a human
touch to the serious subject matter of war. Illustrations are limited to
Voytek’s escapades, travel destinations by way maps, and limited exposure to
actual war happenings. The illustrations are detailed and add The addition of photographs at the back of
the book of Voytek, his soldier friends, and Kaska, the monkey add even more
authenticity to this true tale.
I find it
endearing that during the midst of war, all that encounter Voytek are softened
by his presence. This is a heartwarming story about a bear, which gave five
soldiers the opportunity to experience family, to love and be loved while
serving in war. This story teaches the reader about the bond of friendship, the
ability to hope through trials, and how one can find strength to overcome any
obstacle.
Awards
Mildred L. Batchelder Award, 2012
Review Excerpts
Booklist Review: “In
clear, straightforward prose (as translated by Laura Watkinson), Tak offers an
engaging story of grown-up protagonists and situations, focusing on Voytek's
exploits and his interactions with a menagerie of other animals. Hopman's
expressive grease-pencil illustrations add to the story's accessibility,
grounding the proceedings with charm. An afterword featuring archival
photographs of the real Voytek closes this uplifting, welcome addition to
WWII.” – Thom Barthelmess
Kirkus Review: “ Originally published in Holland in 2009
as Soldaat Wojtek, this is smoothly translated and engagingly
illustrated with sketches and helpful maps. 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 not need 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.
(Historical fiction. 9 & up)”
Connections
Students can make predictions about the book title and
supply text evidence to support their reason.
Students can describe how characters change in the story
with the example of Kaska, the monkey. At the beginning of the story when she
encountered Voytek she would throw rocks at him. What cause the change and what
was her reaction?
Students can describe the relationship between Voytek and
Peter, his handler with text examples.
Students can research and discover additional information on
Voytek, Soldier Bear.
Use the book as a supplement when teaching about World War
II to show the lighter side of war.
References
Booklist. 2011. “Soldier Bear”. Booklistonline.com
(accessed September 6, 2015).
Kirkus Review. 2011. “Soldier Bear.” Kirkusreviews.com
(accessed September 6, 2015).
TWU Library Database – Books In Print (accessed September 6, 2015).
http://ezproxy.twu.edu:3959/TitleDetail/DetailedView?hreciid=|36700706|35292832&mc=USA (accessed
September 6, 2015).
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