Thousands of animals played a crucial role in World War I. Sigmund W. Brouwer's book explores the contributions of these creatures. Each chapter begins with a fiction story about an animal who crosses paths with the Storming Normans, a fictional Canadian Platoon. After the story, a nonfiction section provides facts about World War I and the animals who were involved in the war.

The format of this book was a really engaging way to learn history. The stories are all interconnected and feature the same characters, one of whom is First Nation, which gives readers a look into the prejudices and injustices faced by native peoples during this period of history. The nonfiction sections explain how the facts inspired the story. Readers meet a variety of animals, a cat, two dogs, a mule, a pigeon, a horse, all of whom play a crucial role in the Storming Normans' platoon.

Oh, hate that animals are used in human wars... Bad enough they get in the way of our weapons without us forcing them into service to be massacred. Anyway, I think everyone should have to read these stories; they should be taught in history classes and classrooms. Maybe it would teach some empathy and compassion for fellow creatures. Brave animals all. Medals weren't , and aren't enough. Good read.

Innocent Heroes (Stories of Animals in the First World War) by Sigmund Brouwer is an upper elementary/ middle school book. It is exactly as the name implies with no surprises except the animals are much more varied then I expected. I found this quite interesting since the animals are not just the commonly written about dogs and horses. The first story is a pigeon, what a wonderful astonishing way to begin this book. It certainly hooked me.

The stories are told in a clear forthright way so that it is easy to understand the actions and feelings of those involved toward the animals. Then there is a segment on the animals that the story is based on and how they were honored by the Royal Canadian Army as well as other countries. It is an all-around excellent book that show the help and comfort that animals have given.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

I havent read on World wars but this seems to be a great idea. To give voice to the stories of those involved in helping the soldiers. I like the fictionalisation as well as the facts after that.