This is the most delightful tale, made all the more poignant by the fact that it's based on a true story. It seems incredible to think that the events contained in this book could possibly have happened.

Piotr was a Private in the Polish Army in World War II. One day he and his fellow soldiers came across a bear cub and decided to adopt him. They named him Wojtek. Eventually he was made a fully-fledged soldier in his own right and he started to be able to help out in various ways as part of the bid to win the war.

Jenny Robertson has embellished the facts a little and added in various characters who didn't really exist for the purposes of making a good story, but ultimately the bones of the story are the truth. Piotr cared deeply for Wojtek and the feeling was mutual, in fact Piotr was the only one who could control Wojtek. It's such a charming and touching story of the little bear cub who grew up to be a fully grown bear of 2.13 metres tall. I laughed at the many times that Wotjek surprised somebody who was not expecting to meet a bear. They obviously ran for the hills but Wojtek was (mostly) a gentle giant.

The lovely story is enhanced by the wonderful drawings by Tim Archbold which portray the life of Wojtek perfectly. Every chapter has one full page illustration.

The book is aimed at the 9-12 age group. I think it would be perfect for children and adults alike. It is fairly gentle when covering the events of World War II but obviously adults can read between the lines.

I wasn't aware of what was going to happen at the end and it made me cry. I loved reading about Wojtek and his soldier comrades. He was a bit of a mischief maker, quite the performer, a bit feisty at times, but always loyal.

Wojtek: War Hero Bear made me smile, it made me laugh and it moved me to tears. It's a really lovely read. ( )