Animals Go to War

November 1, 2018

Gr 4-7-An introduction on the concept of military working animals-beyond bomb-sniffing dogs. Marine mammals that detect underwater mines and lost equipment, carrier pigeons that deliver messages across long distances, elephants that haul supplies, and many other interesting creatures are highlighted. The text is well written and informative. It is clear that Goldsmith did her research on each of her topics. Chapters aren't too lengthy and will keep readers engaged. The content is well organized, and each chapter flows together in a logical way. VERDICT Purchase for collections where readers are interested in alternative parts of the military.-Paige Garrison, The Davis Academy, Sandy Springs, GA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2018
Throughout history, animals working with humans have played important roles in human warfare.The author of Dogs at War (2017) broadens her look at the use of animals in war by introducing other species--elephants, horses, mules, camels, pigeons, and marine mammals--as well as animal mascots, experimental subjects, and 21st-century considerations of animal rights. Teen readers may particularly enjoy the specific stories, but they might learn something of world history in the process. Goldsmith (Pandemic, 2018, etc.) opens with the example of Judy, a dog who rescued drowning British POWs and stayed with one in prison camp until the end of World War II. Like many of the animals introduced, Judy won Britain's Dickin Medal for animal heroism. In chapters generally focused on specific species, she discusses the roles animals played historically as well as today and mentions current use of bomb-sniffing rats and drone-attacking eagles. Quotations from handlers attest to the animals' strong connections with humans and their importance in these roles. Each spread includes a well-captioned photograph and plentiful section heads to break up the text. Occasionally, specific examples are set off on a differently designed page. Extensive backmatter includes suggestions for further exploration of the topic in varied formats.A solid choice for school and public libraries, with special appeal for animal lovers. (source notes, glossary, selected bibliography, further information, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

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Starred review from November 15, 2018
Grades 8-11 *Starred Review* Elephants, dolphins, dogs, mules, pigeons, and a cat named Simon are among the numerous animals who have served as military assets throughout history. Goldsmith describes the roles animals have played in war, from locating landmines to delivering messages in the heat of battle to serving as mascots. The chapters are divided by the type of animal, describing its service and the procedures used to train it. The book is packed with anecdotes about the animals, such as Voytek, the bear that carried ammunition for a Polish unit, or Cher Ami, a pigeon who helped rescue a trapped battalion despite having lost an eye, a leg, and part of a wing. Goldsmith does not ignore the ethical issues attached to training animals to serve the military, ending on a sobering note regarding the U.S. Navy's marine mammal program. Her text is lucid, accessible, and engaging, and it's helped along by full-color photos and reproductions of images of some of the featured creatures. A bibliography, glossary, and detailed index round out the book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)