Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend

The true story of a family pet who served overseas in World War II and went on to become a friend to wounded veterans back home.

During World War II, families all over the country volunteered their pet dogs to serve in the Dogs for Defense Program. This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the true story of a family and their beloved dog, Brownie, who served alongside the troops and returned home to become a companion to wounded vets.

At first Brownie’s boy, Oren, isn’t sure he wants to send his boisterous best friend to war. But with the help of his parents, Oren decides that Brownie could do a lot of good. Brownie serves faithfully on the frontlines until an injury sends him home from the Pacific islands. His family welcomes him back with open arms. But Brownie is not content sitting around at home--he needs a job. He begins to accompany Oren’s mother to the Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin, where she works. There, Brownie finds a way to serve his fellow veterans just as he served his fellow soldiers.

Lovingly illustrated by Aaron Boyd, this heartwarming story gives poignant new meaning to the phrase ＂man’s best friend＂ and will be a favorite for children and their grownups.

Kelly Nelson has loved true animal stories ever since she was a little girl. Brownie the War Dog is her first book, inspired by a visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King to seek care for her father, a veteran of the Korean War. Kelly lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Jason; children James and Brooke; dogs Ladybug, Mabel, and ZuZu; and cat, Lenny.

Aaron Boyd knew by age six that he wanted to illustrate children’s books. After graduating from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Aaron practiced his craft in children’s magazines and board games before illustrating his first picture book in 1999. Since then, he has illustrated dozens of books, including The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis and Backwards Dog.