War Animals

America's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor, was awarded to 440 deserving members of the "Greatest Generation" that served in World War II. But in 1943, before the war was even over, Allied leaders realized they needed another kind of award to recognize a different kind of World War II hero - animal heroes. Founded in 1943, the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award an animal can achieve for gallantry and bravery in the field of military conflict. It was given to 55 animals who served valiantly alongside the members of the Greatest Generation.

This production - adapted by John Tams and Sally Ward at the behest of the author - is a moving tale of a boy's extraordinary bond with his horse during World War One. The story of a farm horse sold from Devon into the mire, wire and machine guns of the Great War of 1914-1918 brings together a...

In 2012 retired South African general Johan Jooste was parachuted into the seemingly unwinnable war against rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park. With poaching spiralling out of control, Jooste was given the mandate to 'go military', to convert Kruger's ranger corps into a para-military force capable of taking the fight to poachers. Aged 60, white, and a veteran of 35 years of military service, Jooste's controversial appointment was immediately met with resentment and hostility by elements of South African National Parks, the police, and even the military he had served with.

Dog Soldiers tells the story of two brave young ‘dog soldiers’ (Army bomb dog handlers), killed in action in Afghanistan with their dogs by their side, through the inspirational words of their mothers. Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe and Lance Corporal Liam Tasker were both dog lovers from...

Animals have played an important role in warfare throughout history. Military forces have long relied on animals' natural abilities to achieve their missions. From medieval warriors charging into combat on horseback to dolphins locating explosive mines at sea, learn about the many ways animals have helped armies find success on the battlefield. Then be sure to catch the other amazing titles in the Beasts and the Battlefield series.

The unbelievable true story of the Cold War’s strangest proxy war, fought between the zoos on either side of the Berlin Wall. “The liveliness of Mohnhaupt’s storytelling and the wonderful eccentricity of his subject matter make this book well worth a read.” —Star Tribune (Minneapolis)...

“Brooks’ chronological and cross-disciplinary leaps are thrilling.” —The New York Times Book Review “Horse isn’t just an animal story—it’s a moving narrative about race and art.” —TIME “A thrilling story about humanity in all its ugliness and beauty . . . the evocative...

Guinness may be the runt of the litter, but she scoffs at being a pet. So when her siblings join their forever homes, she can't wait to enlist and risk her tail for her country. Butter loves treats, cherishes her trainer, and is proud of her job. But an errant bullet ends her career and changes her life. Viper lives to serve. The army is his life and his home. But war is tough on soldiers, K-9s and humans, and old dogs don't last long in the desert. Can these loyal dogs dodge a sea of mines and outwit the brutal desert to protect their humans, or will their mission cost their lives?

As the south is in turmoil, an old terror emerges in the north. The Bear and the Serpent is the second book in Adrian Tchaikovsky’s epic fantasy trilogy, Echoes of the Fall, following The Tiger and the Wolf. ‘A classically brilliant fantasy writer’ – Paul Cornell, author of Witches of...

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A Mental Floss Book to Read in Summer 2019 “Gripping.… Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense is a must-read.” —NPR A President on Trial. A Reputation at Stake. ABC News legal correspondent and host of LIVE PD Dan Abrams reveals the story of Teddy Roosevelt’s...

New York Times bestseller Twenty years after the publication of the bestselling All’s Fair, James Carville and Mary Matalin look at how they—and America—have changed in the last two decades. James Carville and Mary Matalin have long held the mantle of the nation’s most ideologically...

"Applaud for KLAWDE. Two paws up!"--Dav Pilkey, creator of the Dog Man series. "Funny, savage, and brilliant, Klawde is the pet I wish I had."--Max Brallier, New York Times Bestselling author of The Last Kids on Earth. Klawde is not your basic cat. He's an emperor from another planet, exiled to...

An audiobook adaptation of the Oscar-winning animated short film inspired by the song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic anti-war anthem "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" inspired an Academy Award–winning animated short. Now the team behind the film has created an...

From Jeffrey Gettleman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist, comes a passionate, revealing story about finding love and finding a calling, set against one of the most turbulent regions in the world. A seasoned war correspondent, Jeffrey Gettleman has covered every major conflict...

It's 1942. Somewhere in the mountains in Persia, Wojtek, a brown bear cub, stands on the riverside where his mother is being shot by hunters. Two weeks later, he is being sold to Polish soldiers from the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. In May 1944, Wojtek, as a loyal member of the company, has to help soldiers to load supplies, to contribute his part for the soldiers to win the Battle of Monte Cassino. While the 2nd Polish Corps are under heavy fire, Wojtek becomes a national hero; his courage lets his comrades fight for their country with bravery.

Beautiful and full of adventure, Escape to the River Sea is Emma Carroll's compelling novel inspired by Eva Ibbotson's bestselling, classic masterpiece, Journey to the River Sea. 'Unputdownable storytelling. I loved it.' - Hilary McKay, Costa Award-winning author of The Skylark's War In 1946...

The humans want to kill all cats, be they ordinary or magical. The cats want to escape somewhere far from humans. Nadine is a feline social welfare agent whose sole wish is to reunite the two races in this post-plague world. After a narrow escape from orphaned teenagers determined to use her for target practice, Nadine is left terrified and wondering if there's a way humans and felines can live together in peace.

A breathtaking story of bravery, friendship and fighting for what you believe in, Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Anna Fargher's bestselling and award-winning The Umbrella Mouse, based on the true stories of the heroic animals caught in the conflict of WWII...

The war hero returns home with his dog, Wicked. Both have been injured. Their welcome should be pretty straightforward, but not everyone likes a war hero. Maybe Kelly’s son, Cash, should have stayed in Afghanistan. At least there he knew who the enemy was! All Kelly and Mike want to do is help Cash recuperate from his injuries. They never planned on becoming involved with a kidnapping. Good to have guard dogs when you need them.

Vets and Pets tells fifteen emotional and entertaining stories of the incredible bonds between wounded warriors, veterans, and other service members and their service and companion animals. Whether these special relationships are with dogs, cats, horses, pigs, or even birds of prey, readers will discover how these remarkable animals help veterans return to civilian life and live independently while simultaneously bringing joy and confidence into their lives.