These new graphic novels in the Heroic Animals series tell about several animals that became famous for their acts of service. In five brief chapters, each book details the central animal’s background and training (if any), or how it came to serve, as well as its notable achievements. Patron has served as a mine-detecting dog in the recent conflict in Ukraine, where he also became a symbol of anti-mine education for children. The dramatic settings and charismatic animal subjects in these books lend themselves well to graphic-novel treatment. A recap of the animal’s story, a glossary, a “read more” section, and author/illustrator biographies in the end matter provide the requisite nonfiction elements for academic use. The books will likely appeal to animal lovers and to fans of disaster series such as I Survived. Because the books deal with war and disaster and include some vivid illustrations, the content is best suited for readers prepared for these difficult elements.

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.