Mireille Messier is the author of the new children's picture book Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War. Her many other books include Fatima and the Clementine Thieves and The Branch. She is based in Toronto.
Q: How did you first learn about Sergeant Billy and his role
in World War I?
A: I first read about Sergeant Billy in a tiny tidbit
article in a magazine called Mental Floss. The title was "5
Goats That Changed the World." Sergeant Billy was one of the five goats.
At first, I thought it was strange that I had never heard
about this Canadian war mascot. Then I thought, "There MUST already be a
book about Sergeant Billy." When I realized there were no books I jumped
at the chance to be the one to tell his extraordinary story.
Q: What kind of research did you do to write the book?
A: Both the illustrator and I had to do A LOT of research
for this book. It wasn't easy because the events took place over 100 years ago.
My main resources were the Canadian War Museum archives, the
Veterans Affairs, and the Broadview Saskatchewan Historical Museum where
Sergeant Billy is kept to this day (yes, Sergeant Billy has been
taxidermied).
Q: What do you think Kass Reich's illustrations add to the
book?
A: Kass' sepia-toned illustrations set the mood perfectly
for this story. Her rendition of Billy, Daisy, and the soldiers of the 5th Battalion
are both heart-warming and historically accurate. I think Kass' illustrations
make the story accessible to a wide audience - children, history buffs and
animal-lovers alike.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from Sergeant Billy?
A: I hope the readers will learn that service animal and
military mascots like Billy played an important role in history. I also hope
that this story will remind them of how strong the bond between humans and
animals can be, even in wartime.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am presently working on another animal biography but
this time the story takes place in Vienna over 200 years ago. I can't say much
more except that it is about one of the world's most loved musician with one of
the world's most despised birds...
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The French version of Sergeant Billy will be available in
Spring 2020.
I will be presenting Sergeant Billy at the Canadian War
Museum in Ottawa on Nov. 7 at the Youth Remembrance Day Event (all are welcome,
admission is free).
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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