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.

<i>We Also Served</i> 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.**

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!

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.

As a military family, this book was really fun to read. We loved seeing all the different animals, how and when they served, and what medals they were awarded for their service.

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.

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.

Such an informative book for children on service animals that served in different areas. It gives information on where these animals served and how they served. I was surprised by the different animals that have served. Dolphins, rats, and goats. Their story will inspire and lift the imagination.

Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

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.

This biography of animals who served in the military or as first responders will be of interest to kids and adults alike. It gives a brief biography of each and then talks about the history of animals in service for various reasons.

This is a great books to add during Veteran's Day. It allows students to understand that there were animals that assisted in a variety of ways and helped serve our country as well. The stories are brief and engaging, and would allow for may class discussions about animals and their loyalty to those they love.

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.

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.

We Also Served by Erin McGill is beautiful children story with a hidden agenda of reaching on history and the military. The author uses animals, in which children can relate to. This allows for the ability for the audience to be capstone in the material but also learn history and about the military.

As a veteran, I believe this would be a great story for children on Veterans Day or just history class. I especially think this book would be amazing for children who parents are currently serving. It allows them to connect.

On page 14 I wish the authority would of changed the name “Beauty”. Personally this doesn’t bother me, but I can see how “Beauty, WWII”, could rub others the wrong way. I believe a different name would of been better suited.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Let’s get this book into classrooms and distributed to schools for Veterans Day! 🇺🇸

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!

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.

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.

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.

A great book about animals that served in wars. It tells true stories about animals that served in wars. The illustrations are kind of goofy but in the best way! They are so endearing and I loved them. I only wish there had been some real pictures of the actual animals.