A delightful tale inspired by the true story of a brave goat war hero.
During World War I, a goat named Billy was adopted by a platoon of soldiers and made his way across the ocean to be part of the war effort.
Billy . . .
- Trained with the soldiers
- Was smuggled across the ocean
- Got snuck into the frontlines in a box of oranges
- Ate some secret documents and was arrested for treason
- Got trench foot
- Head-butted soldiers into a trench and saved them from a shell
- Came back home a decorated war hero!
This charming true story follows Sergeant Billy from his small prairie town to the trenches of World War I and back, through harrowing moments, sad moments, moments of camaraderie and moments of celebration. This unforgettable goat and the platoon that loved him will capture your heart!
Themes: military, world war I, service animal, true story, biography, historical
Tundra Books/Penduin Random House, Fall 2019
Story by Mireille Messier
Illustrations by Kass Reich
40 pages
4-10 years old
ISBN : 9-780-73526-442-7
Jacketed hadcover
$21.99
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- Click this link to download a French Activity Sheet – Fiche d’activités Sergent Billy
Reviews
“Messier’s smooth, well-paced text and Reich’s muted gouache illustrations in warlike tones of olive and brown well convey the poignancy and humor of the story.” – KIRKUS REVIEW
“Mireille Messier takes young readers beyond the mud and blood of World War I with her rollicking humanizing tale of a goat and the soldiers who cared for it.” – Canadian Material Review, Highly recommended
“Messier and Reich deserve a medal for their ambitious work.” – Imaginary Elevators