Editorial Review
SLJ Review of Heroic Animals

True stories of heroic animals are presented in graphic novel format, from a military bear in World War II to the bomb-hunting dog that saved lives in the current war in Ukraine. Text boxes provide introductions and background information, while word balloons carry the mostly fictionalized dialogue between characters; actual quotations appear in bold font. Comic book-style illustrations provide visual backdrop, conveying events and personalities effectively. Panels consistently pace each story, while larger frames are used for more dramatic moments, showing kittens stranded in a fire (Scarlett Braves the Flames), for example, and a search dog arriving at Ground Zero (Trakr Searches for Survivors). While the animal exploits are the focus, their relationships with humans are also explored. VERDICT An appealing combination of true-to-life animal heroes and graphic novel storytelling.