The Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award is a literary program for young readers in Atlantic Canada, inspired by (and for the same age group of 9-12 as) the Silver Birch Award in Ontario and the Red Cedar Award. Tundra Books would like to congratulate Mireille Messier and Kass Reich whose fantastic book, Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War won the prize for English Nonfiction!
Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War
By Mireille Messier
Illustrated by Kass Reich
40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735264427 | Tundra Books
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!