Kimber: Mom! Mom! I finally got myself in my very own book!! Can you see me doing back flips!?

Her Momness: “Slow down there, Kimmi. What are you talking about?”

Kimber: Well, okay. It wasn’t me exactly. But it coulda been! Cuz We Also Served is about animal heroes. You know. Like me! Or maybe my cousins! I’ll let Mom tell you more:

We Also Served: True Stories of Brave Animals in the Military and Other Heroic Tales.

By Erin McGill  (Jul 4, 2023)

Genre: Children’s Nonfiction

Pages: 40

Via: Net Galley

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the top, okay? We LOVED this book as soon as we saw the title and the cover. Not that we’re biased on anything. But it’s even better than we thought. Here’s why:

Get ready for a rich and wonderful read with We Also Served: True Stories of Brave Animals in the Military and Other Heroic Tales.

Unsung Heroes

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.
• 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).
• The fist search and rescue dog deployed in war, Rip. He’s credited with saving over 100 lives during World War II.
• 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.
• “Sergeant Reckless,” an indomitable military horse who carried almost five tons of supplies in five days to her fellow Marines during the Korean War.

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.

Loud and Clear

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.

Dickin Medal

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.

Powerful & Moving

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.

We loved it! Arf! Arf!

 

Our Rating: 5.0