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Brave Bess and the
ANZAC Horses by Susan Brocker
 Over the years, many books have been
written about the brave New Zealand soldiers that fought in World
War One, but this book is about an important part of that military
history that is seldom told, it is about the brave horses. It is a
true story of courage and loyalty that deserves to be told.
At the outbreak of war in 1914, New Zealand troops left for the
battlefield with more than 3,700 horses. Those were only the first
of over 10,000 that New Zealand sent to war between 1914 and 1916.
They served mainly in the Mounted Rifles Brigade in the Middle East,
facing heat, stress, exhaustion, disease, thirst, hunger and
untimely death. Despite their own hardships, the horses served with
unquestioning loyalty and courage. Of all the horses sent overseas
at the start of the war, only one ever returned home. This is her
story.
Bess returned home from war to live out her final days near Bulls.
Her grave and memorial is only a few kilometres from the township
and is the only recognition of the contribution made by New Zealand
horses in ‘The Great War’. In recent years some soldiers have
gathered early on ANZAC Day by the memorial to remember the horses
and those who fought with them.
To write this book, Susan Brocker extensively researched the history
of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles in the Middle East campaign of
world War One. She also read the many diaries, memoirs and letters
of soldiers who served in the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and in the
Australian Light Horse.
Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses is a tragic, yet poignant and moving
account of how soldiers and horses worked together in such adverse
and trying conditions. Susan’s love of horses shines through in the
way she is able to put the reader inside the head of the horse,
writing what the horse must have been thinking and giving readers an
unusual perspective of war. Susan also interlaces the personal story
of Bess with facts about the Brigade and the wider picture of what
the New Zealand troops were doing at the time.
RRP $19.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers
.
 Dreams Of
Warriors by Susan Brocker
Featherston during the Second World War is a tough and bleak place
for fourteen year old Bella. Her father is away fighting overseas,
while his family fight to save their farm from ruin and keep his
dreams alive. Bella, her mother and older sister have to cope with a
herd of dairy cows, an unscrupulous neighbour who wants the farm,
and a crazy, bad tempered racehorse named Gipsy. Bella is terrified
of the horse and doesn’t know where to turn. When help is offered,
will she accept it or will Gipsy destroy her father’s dreams?
Many New Zealand children are possibly not even aware that there was
a Japanese POW camp in New Zealand, but Susan got the inspiration
for this story from a haiku on the plaque that commemorates the site
of the POW camp near Featherston. She thought of those on both sides
who left family at home to keep their dreams alive while they fought
in the war (or were held prisoner by the enemy in strange and far
off lands). In this story the horse is a symbol of those dreams.
Whether those dreams will become reality or fail rests on the
shoulders of a determined and brave young girl.
As has become Susan Brocker’s trademark, this story is well
researched and teaches readers something about New Zealand, while
providing an exciting and gripping novel.
RRP $19.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers
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The Wolf In The Wardrobe by Susan Brocker
 When Finn comes across a car accident, little does he realise his
life is about to change forever. The huge, injured animal he
discovers is no dog but a wolf that escaped from the circus. He
instantly takes a liking to the wolf and knows not only must he save
Lupa but prevent her from returning from the circus too.
Hiding a wolf isn't as easy as Fin first thinks and what to feed her
on is yet another problem he must tackle. These problems are
overshadowed though by the fact that sinister circus clown, Cackles
is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to get Luca back.
Why is a clown who doesn't like wolves so determined to get Luca
back? How can Finn calm the wild animal? And can Finn keep Luca away
from the clown.
Finn doesn't just have wolf problems but also has to come to terms
with his Nana suffering Alzheimer's and his father's new girlfriend.
Could Pam and Finn actually become friends? She is actually smart
enough to recognise Luca is a wolf, and kind enough to Finn not to
tell his Dad.
RRP $19.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers
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