Whitey’s Journey by Kelsey Lonie is a new children’s book about a WW II canine mascot published by Heritage House Publishing. [Courtesy Heritage House Publishing]
“Sometimes, a story reaches out and just won’t let go,” suggested Kelsey Lonie, a Canadian military historian and educator-turned-children’s book author. That story, first told to her by Gord Crossley, The Fort Garry Horse Museum and Archives curator, instantly resonated with the Regina resident.
“I told [Crossley] how much I love the intersection of animals and the Second World War,” continued Lonie, “and he obviously highlighted the ties between [renowned children’s book character] Winnie the Pooh and Winnipeg [during the First World War]. He then mentioned that The Fort Garry Horse regiment had a dog during World War Two. His name was Whitey, and he was a collie.”
A fan of the breed, and owner of one, Lonie committed to retelling the canine adventures in Whitey’s Journey, her first children’s book, in stores on Oct. 28, 2025.
Tackling difficult themes of war, peace, loyalty, friendship and sacrifice in an age-appropriate style, the tome boasts imaginative illustrations by Bromhead, Sask., artist Renee Hansen.
The tale itself explores multiple twists and turns in the life of Whitey, from breaking free to march with the soldiers to later being smuggled overseas as a cherished mascot in Britain. Here, Lonie recounts her own journey in putting pen to paper.
Whitey’s Journey author Kelsey Lonie with her own collie. [Rachel Buhr/Still Life Photography]
On her road to becoming an author
I taught Grade 3 students for almost a decade, and I loved it. When teaching the Second World War, I often used animals to explore some of the heavier themes through stories of heroic dogs, cats, pigeons and more [that were involved in conflict], as well as their owners. It’s a truly great and useful way for kids to connect with [military] service and understand what happened.
After eight years working in classrooms, I wanted to get my master’s degree in military history because I had a very interesting thesis topic I wanted to pursue, specifically about Saskatchewan women performing agricultural labour during the Second World War, which is also due to come out as a book in May [2026].
Doors kind of just opened in the [history] community for me after I did that. It’s a dream come true to be working in this field.
On creating the book
I wrote the story relatively quickly because it was just so cute. That said, I also wanted to introduce young readers to the concept of war and death and remembrance in a non-threatening manner so that it might evoke a certain sort of feeling that children could relate to. So, really, it turned into a blend of my two careers because it does have that academic rigour behind it.
On dealing with difficult themes
I find children are more resilient than we give them credit for. I didn’t want to shy away from difficult themes, not least because, as a teacher, we would talk about the diary of Anne Frank and the Holocaust and the war overall. Quite a few of my students did research on their own family members and found that many of those family members had lost their lives during Canadian conflicts.
What really lightens the tone of the book are the illustrations. I’m so thankful for my illustrator because her incredible watercolours bring a certain warmth and friendly tone as Whitey navigates a difficult world in a challenging time. [Hansen] brings the story to life in a way that words alone couldn’t.
On the related teacher’s guide
There will also be a free teacher’s guide for the book that Heritage House Publishing will release on its website. There will be guiding questions and activities that kids can do after reading the story, which will be a great addition.
My hope is that the book will spark conversations in classrooms and at home. I want readers to know what Canada has gone through as a country, but also that people and animals alike have served our nation bravely, Whitey the dog being one of them. When we learn about him and, of course, all the men and women who fought during the Second World War, we remember that some sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice so we could experience the freedom we have in Canada.
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