This is the inspiring and charming true story of one of the Second World War's most unusual combatants - a 500-pound cigarettesmoking, beer-drinking brown bear. Originally adopted as a mascot by the Polish Army in Iran, Wojtek soon took on a more practical role, carrying heavy mortar rounds for the troops and going on to play his part as a fully enlisted 'soldier' with his own rank and number during the Italian campaign. After the war, Wojtek, along with some of his Polish compatriots from II Corps, came to Berwickshire, where he became a significant member of the local community before subsequently moving to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek's retirement was far from quiet: a potent symbol of freedom and solidarity for Poles around the world, he attracted a huge amount of media interest that shows no sign of abating almost 50 years after his death.

'Private Wojtek - Soldier Bear' is based on the true story of a real Persian brown bear cub 'sold' mainly for food and some money by a starving young Persian boy to Polish soldiers stationed in the Middle East during World War II.

During World War II, when a group of Polish soldiers found an orphaned bear cub, they eagerly took him in as their pet and named him Wojtek. As the young bear grew, he became friends with the soldiers, lifting their spirits as he learned to imitate them around camp. Later, Wojtek was helpful in combat by carrying many heavy shells during the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. Learn how Wojtek showed his courage in battle and earned the rank of Corporal during history's biggest war.

An amazing story of a furry World War II hero that will entertain and engage readers of all ages. When a tiny orphaned bear cub is adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, little does anyone know that little Wojtek will become one of the bravest fighters of them all! As the soldiers train to take part in some of the fiercest fighting of the war, Wojtek grows up, providing headaches and laughter in equal measure as he learns to drink beer, chase horses, and wrestle with his human friends. But at Monte Cassino, as the Allies try and dislodge German troops from their mountaintop eyrie, Wojtek, now a fully signed-up solider with his own rank and number, comes into his own, dodging the bullets to carry ammunition to his comrades as they inch their way to victory. After the war, the Polish solders move to Scotland. Wojtek comes too and soon becomes the center of attention in a new country. But with hostilities ended, how long can he keep his freedom? Bestselling author Jenny Robertson explores the themes of friendship and trust in this moving and inspirational story.

Winner of the 2012 Batchelder Award Based on a real series of events that happened during World War II, Soldier Bear tells the story of an orphaned bear cub adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in Iran. The soldiers raise the bear and eventually enlist him as a soldier to ensure that he stays with the company. He travels with them from Iran to Italy, and then on to Scotland. Voytek's mischief gets him into trouble along with way, but he also provides some unexpected encouragement for the soldiers amidst the reality of war: Voytek learns to carry bombs for the company, saves the camp from a spy, and keeps them constantly entertained with his antics. Always powerful and surprising, Bibi Dumon Tak's story offers readers a glimpse at this fascinating piece of history.

"Every story in the book is interesting, and Lewis includes a 'bonus fact' at the end of each story, which is a mini mind bender on its own." --BoingBoing "A mind-tickling encyclopedia...Now I Know is a treat in its entirety...an oasis of learning about what you don't yet know...but are glad you found." --Brain Pickings Dan Lewis, creator of the Webby Award–winning Now I Know newsletter, is back with 101 unbelievable-but-true stories to blow your mind. Get ready to find out the real deal behind a new collection of fascinating facts. From pink camouflaged fighter planes to secret Harry Potter characters, Now I Know More covers everything from history and science to sports and pop culture. You'll learn about made-up towns that made their way onto real maps, the time three MLB teams squared off in a single game, and ninety-nine more curious cases of remarkable trivia. And it's all true. With this book, you really will know more!

View more details of this book at www.walkerbooks.com.au