A Bear in War by Stephanie Innes and Harry Endrulat had been on my wishlist for over a year. Diane and I have been especially drawn to books about World War I, and this one seemed like it might be magical. Now that I finally have a copy, I can say that it is indeed magical—though not in a warm and cozy way. This book tells a difficult, true story with grace and beauty, making it an ideal choice for families looking to gently introduce children to themes of war and loss without causing unnecessary distress.
The story is narrated by a small teddy bear, who recounts his journey from the day he was bundled into a sleigh by his young owner, Aileen, to his arrival at his new home in East Farnham, Quebec. Aileen adored the little bear, confiding in him as only a child would, and, for the purposes of this story, the bear shares secrets with her as well.
When Aileen’s father is called to serve in the war, the family feels his absence deeply. At Christmas, Aileen decides to send her beloved bear to her father on the front lines. Her father, a medic, is touched by the gift and keeps the bear in his uniform pocket as he goes about his duties. The bear accompanies him everywhere, witnessing his bravery and dedication.
Aileen’s father is later awarded the Military Medal for his courage, and he pins the medal on the bear. Tragically, on October 10, 1917, he is killed while tending to the wounded during the attack on Passchendaele. After the fighting subsides, a Canadian soldier finds his body and returns his uniform, medal, and the small bear to Aileen’s family.
This poignant story is based on real events. Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers, Aileen’s father, was posthumously awarded additional honors, including the 1914-1915 Star and the Victory Medal. Today, his medals and Aileen’s bear are preserved in the Canadian War Museum. Author Stephanie Innes, the great-granddaughter of Lt. Rogers, brings this family history to life in a way that resonates beyond its Canadian roots.
The illustrations are gentle and thoughtful, perfectly complementing the narrative. Photographs of the real people are scattered throughout the illustration, adding a sense of authenticity. The dust jacket suggests that A Bear in War is destined to become a Canadian classic, but I believe that it should be on every library’s World War I shelf.