A Bear in War

In 1915, thirty-seven-year-old Lawrence Browning Rogers enlisted in the Fifth Canadian Mounted Rifles, leaving behind his wife, two children and their farm in Quebec. Over the next two years, the family exchanged hundreds of letters and sent packages, one of which contained his daughter's beloved Teddy, who would accompany their father and keep him safe. Teddy eventually returned home, but Lieutenant Rogers did not; he was killed on the battlefield. Eighty-five years later, Lawrence's granddaughter found Teddy, the letters and other war memorabilia packed away in a briefcase. And she discovered a moving story of one family's love and sacrifice—a story shared by the families of so many soldiers who have lost their lives in the defense of their country.

Accompanied by family photographs and Brian Deines's poignant art,
A Bear in War
is more than one family's testament to a brave soldier. It is a gentle introduction to war, to Memorial Day and to the honor of those who have died serving their countries.

Stephanie Innes in the great-granddaughter of Lawrence Browning Rogers. She is an adjunct instructor of journalism at the University of Arizona and a reporter for the Arizona Daily Star.

Harry Endrulat is an author and editor who has worked in children's publishing for many years. He is also the author of numerous books for the Max & Ruby series, which is based on the popular show on Treehouse TV.

Brian Deines is a fine artist and the acclaimed illustrator of many children's books, including Caribou Song and Dragon Fly Kites, both of which were nominated for the Governor General's Award and the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Literature Award.