Where Can We Go?: A Tale of Four Bears

by Dai Yun, Igor Oleynikov (Illustrator), Helen Mixter (Adapter)

From a Hans Christian Andersen award-winning illustrator comes a moving and imaginative story of four polar bears searching for a new home. One evening, Papa Bear announces, "we are moving tomorrow." His family can longer live in their Arctic there are no more seals to catch, and too few fish. The next morning, they set off, in search of more promising places. From one of the world's greatest illustrators, Hans Christian Andersen award winner Igor Oleynikov, comes the story of four bears trying to find a place to live. All they want is food, comfort and fun for the kids. When they move into an apartment in a city of high rises, things seem promising—until the panic they cause makes it impossible for them to stay. Turning to books and television, they find what seems to be a perfect a place where there are seals, but also penguins. So they set off on a long journey. With humorous, rich and striking art, Where Can We Go? is a thoughtful exploration of immigration and the importance of home.
An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

|| WHERE CAN WE GO? ||
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Have you ever read a translated picture book?

WHERE CAN WE GO? A Tale Of Four Bears is a wonderfully translated children's book with an award winning illustrator, Igor Oleynikov striking pictures this story follows a polar bear family searching for a new home as the arctic is no longer providing what they need to survive. They follow their noses in search of food and somewhere new to live. They end up in the city, moving into an apartment which at first seems like an ok fit but their presence there creates panic among the humans and they still haven't found any seals to eat so they begin looking for a new place to move by looking in books left behind in their apartment, hoping to find a place that will be more suitable to their family's growing needs.
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Since we received this book in the mail my daughter pulls it out every night at bedtime. Its listed for kids aged 4-6. I found this a creative way to approach climate change as well as immigration and the importance of home. Tiny readers who enjoy animal stories will like this one, and parents looking for books approaching real issues in our world in a way that isn't overwhelming for this age group to comprehend will appreciate it too.

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[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poignant and visually rich picturebook about a family of polar bears searching for a new home. Their Arctic environment no longer provides enough food, so they venture into human spaces, encountering both obstacles and opportunities along the way.

The story explores themes of immigration, displacement, and climate change, framed through the bears' journey. The family faces challenges as they try to settle in urban areas, grappling with loneliness and the struggles of finding acceptance. The illustrations by Oleynikov, a Hans Christian Andersen award-winning artist, bring depth to the narrative with lush details and playful depictions of the anthropomorphic bears.

This book tackles complex social issues like environmentalism and the universal desire for home in a way that is accessible to children. The humour and vibrant illustrations make the story engaging while still inviting deeper reflection on the serious topics at its core.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this fun twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears!