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Polar Bear
This companion book to the authors’ Sibert award-winning Honeybee explores the life and habitat of a majestic endangered species through dramatic text and sumptuous illustration.
April in the Arctic . . .
Cold winds send snow clouds scuttling across the sky.
Temperatures barely nudge above freezing.
But every now and again,
The cloud cover parts,
The sun shines down,
And the frozen world stretches awake.
As spring approaches in the Arctic, a mother polar bear and her two cubs tentatively emerge from hibernation to explore the changing landscape. When it is time, she takes her cubs on a forty-mile journey, back to their home on the ice. Along the way, she fends off wolves, hunts for food, and swims miles and miles.
April in the Arctic . . .
Cold winds send snow clouds scuttling across the sky.
Temperatures barely nudge above freezing.
But every now and again,
The cloud cover parts,
The sun shines down,
And the frozen world stretches awake.
As spring approaches in the Arctic, a mother polar bear and her two cubs tentatively emerge from hibernation to explore the changing landscape. When it is time, she takes her cubs on a forty-mile journey, back to their home on the ice. Along the way, she fends off wolves, hunts for food, and swims miles and miles.
32 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2022
About the author
Candace Fleming
74 books657 followersI have always been a storyteller. Even before I could write my name, I could tell a good tale. And I told them all the time. As a preschooler, I told my neighbors all about my three-legged cat named Spot. In kindergarten, I told my classmates about the ghost that lived in my attic. And in first grade I told my teacher, Miss Harbart, all about my family's trip to Paris, France.
I told such a good story that people always thought I was telling the truth. But I wasn't. I didn't have a three-legged cat or a ghost in my attic, and I'd certainly never been to Paris, France. I simply enjoyed telling a good story... and seeing my listener's reaction.
Sure, some people might have said I was a seven-year old fibber. But not my parents. Instead of calling my stories "fibs" they called them "imaginative." They encouraged me to put my stories down on paper. I did. And amazingly, once I began writing, I couldn't stop. I filled notebook after notebook with stories, poems, plays. I still have many of those notebooks. They're precious to me because they are a record of my writing life from elementary school on.
In second grade, I discovered a passion for language. I can still remember the day my teacher, Miss Johnson, held up a horn-shaped basket filled with papier-mache pumpkins and asked the class to repeat the word "cornucopia." I said it again and again, tasted the word on my lips. I tested it on my ears. That afternoon, I skipped all the way home from school chanting, "Cornucopia! Cornucopia!" From then on, I really began listening to words—to the sounds they made, and the way they were used, and how they made me feel. I longed to put them together in ways that were beautiful, and yet told a story.
As I grew, I continued to write stories. But I never really thought of becoming an author. Instead, I went to college where I discovered yet another passion—history. I didn't realize it then, but studying history is really just an extension of my love of stories. After all, some of the best stories are true ones — tales of heroism and villainy made more incredible by the fact they really happened.
After graduation, I got married and had children. I read to them a lot, and that's when I discovered the joy and music of children's books. I simply couldn't get enough of them. With my two sons in tow, I made endless trips to the library. I read stacks of books. I found myself begging, "Just one more, pleeeeease!" while my boys begged for lights-out and sleep. Then it struck me. Why not write children's books? It seemed the perfect way to combine all the things I loved: stories, musical language, history, and reading. I couldn't wait to get started.
But writing children's books is harder than it looks. For three years I wrote story after story. I sent them to publisher after publisher. And I received rejection letter after rejection letter. Still, I didn't give up. I kept trying until finally one of my stories was pulled from the slush pile and turned into a book. My career as a children's author had begun.
I told such a good story that people always thought I was telling the truth. But I wasn't. I didn't have a three-legged cat or a ghost in my attic, and I'd certainly never been to Paris, France. I simply enjoyed telling a good story... and seeing my listener's reaction.
Sure, some people might have said I was a seven-year old fibber. But not my parents. Instead of calling my stories "fibs" they called them "imaginative." They encouraged me to put my stories down on paper. I did. And amazingly, once I began writing, I couldn't stop. I filled notebook after notebook with stories, poems, plays. I still have many of those notebooks. They're precious to me because they are a record of my writing life from elementary school on.
In second grade, I discovered a passion for language. I can still remember the day my teacher, Miss Johnson, held up a horn-shaped basket filled with papier-mache pumpkins and asked the class to repeat the word "cornucopia." I said it again and again, tasted the word on my lips. I tested it on my ears. That afternoon, I skipped all the way home from school chanting, "Cornucopia! Cornucopia!" From then on, I really began listening to words—to the sounds they made, and the way they were used, and how they made me feel. I longed to put them together in ways that were beautiful, and yet told a story.
As I grew, I continued to write stories. But I never really thought of becoming an author. Instead, I went to college where I discovered yet another passion—history. I didn't realize it then, but studying history is really just an extension of my love of stories. After all, some of the best stories are true ones — tales of heroism and villainy made more incredible by the fact they really happened.
After graduation, I got married and had children. I read to them a lot, and that's when I discovered the joy and music of children's books. I simply couldn't get enough of them. With my two sons in tow, I made endless trips to the library. I read stacks of books. I found myself begging, "Just one more, pleeeeease!" while my boys begged for lights-out and sleep. Then it struck me. Why not write children's books? It seemed the perfect way to combine all the things I loved: stories, musical language, history, and reading. I couldn't wait to get started.
But writing children's books is harder than it looks. For three years I wrote story after story. I sent them to publisher after publisher. And I received rejection letter after rejection letter. Still, I didn't give up. I kept trying until finally one of my stories was pulled from the slush pile and turned into a book. My career as a children's author had begun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
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December 28, 2022Fleming and Rohmann have done it again. Don't miss out on their Giant Squid and Honeybee. Same big beautiful design and poetic language that leads readers deep into the lives of these creatures.
ONE THOUGHT. I'd use with intermediate grade students. Not primary. While in Honeybee, Fleming discusses decline in the number of honeybees in the back matter, she does not integrate the man-made problems honeybees are facing into the main part of the book. In the main text of Polar Bear, though, Fleming and Rohmann tackle the melting arctic ice and the dramatic impact it has on polar bears - as individuals and as families. (There's a terrifying section of the book when the cubs face drowning....) In the back matter, Fleming discusses further climate change's impact on the polar bears and makes recommendations for what readers can do. While both (the content in the main text and in the back matter) may be appropriate for 4th grade and up, I think it's a lot for our youngest students (and not their responsibility to take on). (Holiday House recommends for ages 4-8.)
ONE THOUGHT. I'd use with intermediate grade students. Not primary. While in Honeybee, Fleming discusses decline in the number of honeybees in the back matter, she does not integrate the man-made problems honeybees are facing into the main part of the book. In the main text of Polar Bear, though, Fleming and Rohmann tackle the melting arctic ice and the dramatic impact it has on polar bears - as individuals and as families. (There's a terrifying section of the book when the cubs face drowning....) In the back matter, Fleming discusses further climate change's impact on the polar bears and makes recommendations for what readers can do. While both (the content in the main text and in the back matter) may be appropriate for 4th grade and up, I think it's a lot for our youngest students (and not their responsibility to take on). (Holiday House recommends for ages 4-8.)
December 25, 2022
The illustrations are quite impressive, but I was a bit disappointed by the design of this book; the type does not really stand out enough for easy reading. Adult males were finally mentioned near the very end. Quite a bit of the book was devoted to climate change.
March 20, 2024
Is this a book about polar bears or climate change? In some senses you cannot separate the two. Climate change is shifting the world of the polar bear which makes this story sad and disturbing. So while I loved the illustrations and enjoyed thinking about the bears, I was left uneasy at the end of the story. I was also thankful for the facts at the end of the book which deepens the reader's understanding of the story.
My thoughts? This is a good book to share with children, but it's one you should read first before sharing with them. Pay attention to the details at the end and be prepared for discussion. This book is meant to be used as a teaching tool, to begin your child's understanding of cause and effect, the world, and these very interesting animals. Worth reading.
My thoughts? This is a good book to share with children, but it's one you should read first before sharing with them. Pay attention to the details at the end and be prepared for discussion. This book is meant to be used as a teaching tool, to begin your child's understanding of cause and effect, the world, and these very interesting animals. Worth reading.
April 20, 2023
Beautiful and informative. My students loved it.
December 16, 2022
Very detailed picture book with soft illustrations sure to make you melt! The backmatter at the back of the book will create more curiosity about this amazing animal!
January 26, 2023
we read this in my grad school class today, and I was very emotional over the wellbeing of those polar bears
June 19, 2022
Learn more about Polar Bears with this adorable, short book.
Follow mama and her cubs as they set out from their den, searching for food. This book takes you through the first couple of years of a polar bears young life, and the lengths that a mama will go to protect her young from threats.
I loved reading through this one, and the facts on polar bears at the back of the book. A great way to share animal science with young readers!
Follow mama and her cubs as they set out from their den, searching for food. This book takes you through the first couple of years of a polar bears young life, and the lengths that a mama will go to protect her young from threats.
I loved reading through this one, and the facts on polar bears at the back of the book. A great way to share animal science with young readers!
January 24, 2023
Gorgeous, but leaves a great sense of unease.
March 25, 2023
Few creative teams can entice my attention the way Fleming/Rohmann do. In this recent offering the informational text (Fleming) invites empathy, curiosity, and investment in outcome for this mother polar bear and her two first-season cubs. The text is lyrical and lilting while conveying crucial facts in memorable ways. ICE is home to polar bears, something I knew and understood. Turns out my understanding was limited and it took a picture book to provide essential details, such as:
Spring ice and early winter ice are very different.
The warmest, most temperate times of the year are the hardest on survival, offering minimal nutrition and draining fat-stores that had developed during seal-hunting ice season.
Warmer, longer summers are as much a danger to survival as melting ice floes.
Patterns of migration, feeding, hunting, etc. are both instinctual and learned.
When climate changes in ways that disrupt such patterns, alternatives may not be available or provide adequate resources for survival (for immediate needs OR for the species' survival.)
Illustrations throughout (Rohmann) are as appealing and lush as the text while, like the text, hewing to the standard of scientific accuracy. This is true within the main text, including a magnificent double gatefold segment of polar bear family swimming for survival in the Arctic Ocean. Back matter includes a double-spread profile with labeled details about adaptations for survival, from two-inch claws for hunting to ears that close when swimming.
Don't miss this title, then check out other picture books by this talented duo.
Spring ice and early winter ice are very different.
The warmest, most temperate times of the year are the hardest on survival, offering minimal nutrition and draining fat-stores that had developed during seal-hunting ice season.
Warmer, longer summers are as much a danger to survival as melting ice floes.
Patterns of migration, feeding, hunting, etc. are both instinctual and learned.
When climate changes in ways that disrupt such patterns, alternatives may not be available or provide adequate resources for survival (for immediate needs OR for the species' survival.)
Illustrations throughout (Rohmann) are as appealing and lush as the text while, like the text, hewing to the standard of scientific accuracy. This is true within the main text, including a magnificent double gatefold segment of polar bear family swimming for survival in the Arctic Ocean. Back matter includes a double-spread profile with labeled details about adaptations for survival, from two-inch claws for hunting to ears that close when swimming.
Don't miss this title, then check out other picture books by this talented duo.
December 12, 2022
From November 6, 2022 to November 18, 2022, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, more widely known as COP27, was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. In a November 7, 2022 article, Reuters includes statements found in a report by
the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative research network.
One of the report authors, Robbie Mallett, states with respect to Arctic sea ice
We're starting to see something we cannot save.
In other words, within thirty years, there will be no more Arctic sea ice. (The full report can be downloaded at the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research website.) This is catastrophic for the land and its inhabitants.
Knowing this, prompted pauses several times during the reading of the newest collaboration by author Candace Fleming and artist Eric Rohmann titled Polar Bear (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, December 6, 2022). (Their prior two books focusing on a specific creature are Giant Squid (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, September 27, 2016) and Honeybee: The Busy Life Of Apis Mellifera (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, February 4, 2020). With utmost clarity in words and images, we become a part of the world of a mother polar bear and her two cubs. We experience their struggles for survival and their triumphs at succeeding in a realm changing much too fast.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative research network.
One of the report authors, Robbie Mallett, states with respect to Arctic sea ice
We're starting to see something we cannot save.
In other words, within thirty years, there will be no more Arctic sea ice. (The full report can be downloaded at the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research website.) This is catastrophic for the land and its inhabitants.
Knowing this, prompted pauses several times during the reading of the newest collaboration by author Candace Fleming and artist Eric Rohmann titled Polar Bear (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, December 6, 2022). (Their prior two books focusing on a specific creature are Giant Squid (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, September 27, 2016) and Honeybee: The Busy Life Of Apis Mellifera (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, February 4, 2020). With utmost clarity in words and images, we become a part of the world of a mother polar bear and her two cubs. We experience their struggles for survival and their triumphs at succeeding in a realm changing much too fast.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
January 29, 2023
Polar Bear is a stunning and memorable nonfiction picture books, perfect for curious nature-minded children. The illustrations are highly detailed, stunning, and pair perfectly with the narrative to engage the reader. I appreciate when nonfiction science-based picture books can dispense information in a joyful way using narrative that stimulates the imagination. It keeps the children interested in a meaningful way. There is much learning to be had withing this pages, but you hardly notice because you are so engrossed in the narrative. I'm struck by the amount of detail and care that went into creating this book--it's fantastic!
See also Giant Squid and Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera from the same author/illustrator pair.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Holiday House. Opinions are my own.
See also Giant Squid and Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera from the same author/illustrator pair.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Holiday House. Opinions are my own.
March 31, 2023
It is almost April here in Texas. Windy, rainy, and 70 degrees. In the Arctic, however, it is still very cold but the frozen world is slowly awakening. And so are the polar bears!
Candace Fleming's exciting text about polar bears accompanied by Eric Rohmann's amazing illustrations are a perfect way to learn about polar bears. This story follows a mother and her two cubs during the cubs' first year in Northern Canada on the Hudson Bay. Climate change is wreaking havoc with their way of life. Our bears survive but it is not easy. And not all bears do...
More info in the back plus a list of sources. I had recently read about taking a train up to Churchill in Manitoba, Canada. During September, the polar bears just walk through the town on their way to fatten up on seals before the long, lean winter months. Usually they don't bother anyone but sometimes they have to be tranquilized and moved out onto the ice away from the town.
There is a lot to learn here and you will come away rooting for the polar bears.
Candace Fleming's exciting text about polar bears accompanied by Eric Rohmann's amazing illustrations are a perfect way to learn about polar bears. This story follows a mother and her two cubs during the cubs' first year in Northern Canada on the Hudson Bay. Climate change is wreaking havoc with their way of life. Our bears survive but it is not easy. And not all bears do...
More info in the back plus a list of sources. I had recently read about taking a train up to Churchill in Manitoba, Canada. During September, the polar bears just walk through the town on their way to fatten up on seals before the long, lean winter months. Usually they don't bother anyone but sometimes they have to be tranquilized and moved out onto the ice away from the town.
There is a lot to learn here and you will come away rooting for the polar bears.
January 24, 2023
Non-fiction picture book depicting the life of a mother polar bear and her two cubs. When summer comes to an end, it is time to return to the ice where the polar bears need to eat seals and store fat for the long winter months. Mother notices that it is taking the ice too long to form at the end of summer; she is eager to return to the ice with her two cubs to hunt and to eat. Beautiful illustrations! For ages 4-8.
At the end of the book the author writes how "It's all about the ice" and the effects of global warming. In Canada's Hudson Bay, the ice is melting three and a half weeks earlier and freezing three and a half weeks later. This is having a significant impact on the health of the polar bears and also the health of the seals the polar bears need to eat. A simple book with a potent message.
At the end of the book the author writes how "It's all about the ice" and the effects of global warming. In Canada's Hudson Bay, the ice is melting three and a half weeks earlier and freezing three and a half weeks later. This is having a significant impact on the health of the polar bears and also the health of the seals the polar bears need to eat. A simple book with a potent message.
March 8, 2025
This non-fiction picture book fill fit into libraries for preschool thru upper elementary grade readers and listeners.
Eric Rohmann’s gorgeous oil paint illustrations may catch readers’ eyes first but the lyrical text by Candace Fleming is filled with the facts of a year in the life of a mother polar bear and her twin cubs as well as literary elements that will make the language arts teacher’s heart soar as much as any Science teacher or young reader. There are so many excellent word choices describing how the bears move and “speak” plus examples of alliteration, onomatopoeia and personification making this not only a great choice for young ones but also a mentor text for older elementary. Excellent choice for seeing how a talented author establishes setting with beautiful descriptive language.
A winner and “first choice” selection for libraries serving a wide range of children.
Eric Rohmann’s gorgeous oil paint illustrations may catch readers’ eyes first but the lyrical text by Candace Fleming is filled with the facts of a year in the life of a mother polar bear and her twin cubs as well as literary elements that will make the language arts teacher’s heart soar as much as any Science teacher or young reader. There are so many excellent word choices describing how the bears move and “speak” plus examples of alliteration, onomatopoeia and personification making this not only a great choice for young ones but also a mentor text for older elementary. Excellent choice for seeing how a talented author establishes setting with beautiful descriptive language.
A winner and “first choice” selection for libraries serving a wide range of children.
December 22, 2022
A mother Polar Bear cares for her two young cubs, but as spring turns to summer and the ice melts, she finds it increasingly difficult to hunt.
AJ loved Polar Bear so much. There's a good amount of text, and it was so engaging she read the whole book, first to herself and then to me. Rohmann's illustrations are very realistic. Don't miss the labeled drawing of a polar bear, telling about all their adaptations and the few "cool" facts. Fleming has included a thorough author's note describing the plight of these giant bears brought on by human-caused climate change.
cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
AJ loved Polar Bear so much. There's a good amount of text, and it was so engaging she read the whole book, first to herself and then to me. Rohmann's illustrations are very realistic. Don't miss the labeled drawing of a polar bear, telling about all their adaptations and the few "cool" facts. Fleming has included a thorough author's note describing the plight of these giant bears brought on by human-caused climate change.
cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
January 4, 2023
Beginning with the return of spring in the Arctic, Polar Bear follows a mama polar bear and her two cubs as they leave their den. With beautiful free verse, Fleming takes readers on a journey through a summer on the ice as the mother bear teaches her cubs about hunting and living as a bear. The book opens as the mother rests with her cubs in a den, after leaving the den comes the title page and the ups and downs of life on the ice. Fascinating information about polar bears is smoothly integrated in to the text giving readers a glimpse into the challenges of life on the ice.
As with Giant Squid and Honeybee, Fleming keeps the narrative tight and crisp through her word choice and poetic form. The bear family faces all the dangers of life in a world of rapid change. After facing off with wolves and a failed hunt, the bears end up stranded as the ice melts sooner than expected. The bears must swim for it, an enormous ask for the young cubs. Even after making it to land, the bears struggle to find enough to eat as they work to prepare for the upcoming winter. The tone of the book remains hopeful despite the difficulties the bears face related to climate change and global warming. Additional information about polar bears is included at the end for young readers who wish to know more.
I often prefer photographs in the nonfiction I read but Rohmann's stunningly realistic paintings are so lifelike that I can't help but adore. The illustrations make it difficult not to sympathize with the additional challenges that polar bears along with the rest of the planet, face. I appreciated the fact that the narrative ends with hope that the bears will continue to fight for survival. Not only have the author & illustrator created a compelling story but an ode to the beauty and harshness found in this world. Highly recommended.
As with Giant Squid and Honeybee, Fleming keeps the narrative tight and crisp through her word choice and poetic form. The bear family faces all the dangers of life in a world of rapid change. After facing off with wolves and a failed hunt, the bears end up stranded as the ice melts sooner than expected. The bears must swim for it, an enormous ask for the young cubs. Even after making it to land, the bears struggle to find enough to eat as they work to prepare for the upcoming winter. The tone of the book remains hopeful despite the difficulties the bears face related to climate change and global warming. Additional information about polar bears is included at the end for young readers who wish to know more.
I often prefer photographs in the nonfiction I read but Rohmann's stunningly realistic paintings are so lifelike that I can't help but adore. The illustrations make it difficult not to sympathize with the additional challenges that polar bears along with the rest of the planet, face. I appreciated the fact that the narrative ends with hope that the bears will continue to fight for survival. Not only have the author & illustrator created a compelling story but an ode to the beauty and harshness found in this world. Highly recommended.
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
A story about a mother bear and two cubs as they emerge from the den and search for food, and the effects climate change has had on their environment and ability to feed. The author's note includes a lot more information about climate change and polar bears that adults will have to read and share. The first part is too much for reading aloud but the 'cool facts' can be. The first fact states that polar bears are apex predators, which will take an adult reader explaining why are wolves circling for attack in the book and no overt explanation from the author as to why.
A map would have been great to include -- I have an idea of where Hudson Bay is, but kids won't.
A story about a mother bear and two cubs as they emerge from the den and search for food, and the effects climate change has had on their environment and ability to feed. The author's note includes a lot more information about climate change and polar bears that adults will have to read and share. The first part is too much for reading aloud but the 'cool facts' can be. The first fact states that polar bears are apex predators, which will take an adult reader explaining why are wolves circling for attack in the book and no overt explanation from the author as to why.
A map would have been great to include -- I have an idea of where Hudson Bay is, but kids won't.
December 26, 2022
Following the same format as Giant Squid and Honeybee, Fleming and Rohmann’s newest narrative nonfiction picture book is full of poetic prose and beautiful illustrations. Following the year-long journey of a mother polar bear and her two cubs, readers will explore the animals’ lives and habitats as they fight to survive in the Arctic.
Backmatter includes a labeled and captioned diagram of a polar bear, nonfiction information about the importance of the Arctic ice, ten cool facts, and online and additional resources.
A must-buy for my 4/5th grade ELA classroom.
Backmatter includes a labeled and captioned diagram of a polar bear, nonfiction information about the importance of the Arctic ice, ten cool facts, and online and additional resources.
A must-buy for my 4/5th grade ELA classroom.
June 7, 2023
Follow a mother polar bear and her two cubs through one year.
You know if Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann's names are on the title, it will be a quality book. Fleming writes engaging and informative text, and Rohmann's illustrations are amazing. There's even further information in the back of the book for those who want more polar bear info. This is on the longer side for a picture book so if you are reading to littles with short attention spans, maybe summarize the text and let them enjoy the illustrations. A perfect pick for 1st or 2nd grade readers who enjoy nonfiction.
You know if Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann's names are on the title, it will be a quality book. Fleming writes engaging and informative text, and Rohmann's illustrations are amazing. There's even further information in the back of the book for those who want more polar bear info. This is on the longer side for a picture book so if you are reading to littles with short attention spans, maybe summarize the text and let them enjoy the illustrations. A perfect pick for 1st or 2nd grade readers who enjoy nonfiction.
August 5, 2023
Candace Fleming is a masterful writer. She brings students to the North to experience first-hand through a Mom Polar Bear and her two cubs what global warming means for them. Eric Rohmann outdoes himself with these glorious full color spreads including a pull out, as well. As usual there is an author note with more details. I love the diagram of a Polar Bear included after the story. There are works cited as well as a cool section of facts that I am sure my students will devour!
This is a first purchase for all libraries serving curious readers and budding scientists!
This is a first purchase for all libraries serving curious readers and budding scientists!
January 3, 2023
Beautifully done narrative nonfiction . The team of Fleming and Rohmann have done for polar bears what they achieved for honeybees. There is much drama and a few tears shed by me as we experience a year in the life of a mama polar bear and her two cubs trying to survive against the encroaching global warming. The bears need the right kind of ice to hunt seals and the warming waters make it very difficult for these bears to survive. Lots of great information that makes me want to help.
January 10, 2023
This is award winning, Sibert Medal material that your kids/students should be reading. Glorious illustrations, lyrical and spare text, with a potent message that Nature is Not Kind to your favorite big fluffy white carnivores, and that humankind's habits are making the environment much more treacherous for these marvelous creatures. The most powerful messages are those delivered through art to our emotions. This book is a treasure and an experience.
May 22, 2023
Excellent story of a mother bear and her cubs' first year. I did not know that polar bears live off their fat during the summer. Great two page spread of polar bear adaptions to the cold of the artic. Back section "It's all about the ice" discusses in length how polar bears are losing weight because of the later freezing and earlier melting of sea ice. "A few cool facts" at the back list 10 fun facts about polar bears.
Maybe a 4.5. I was quite impressed and learned something.
Maybe a 4.5. I was quite impressed and learned something.
December 8, 2023
This book provides informational text through literature, with beautiful illustrations. The story exposes the reader to insight about the lifestyle, environment, and growth of polar bears. The information is presented in a intriguing and creative way of descriptive words to help readers to have an in-depth visual of what is occurring in the story. I think this is a fun way to learn about nonfiction information.
December 11, 2023
As spring approaches in the Arctic, a mother polar bear takes her two cubs who all just awoken from hibernation to explore the changing environment. When it is time they start their long track back to their home on the ice. I enjoyed the story line throughout the story, and the expressions throughout. I think that this book is a good one to keep on children's shelves, it discusses changes and patience.
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December 20, 2022As expected this book is stunning. This could go Caldecott or Sibert. Maybe even Newbery? That picture of the polar bear in the den before the story technically starts, its face and fur? That's a wow. Also, I love that a group of polar bears is called a sleuth! I also really like that the font of the text is big and not small. It reads very well.
June 23, 2023
I loved this author and illustrator's previous book, Honeybee and so I was really excited to dive into this one. The artwork is very beautiful and I learned so much about polar bears. They do a lot of research and cite their sources as well as provide additional information in the back. Students who are interested in learning lots of details about polar bears will love this one.
July 25, 2023
As spring approaches in the Arctic, a mother polar bear and her two cubs tentatively emerge from hibernation to explore the changing landscape. When it is time, she takes her cubs on a forty-mile journey, back to their home on the ice. Along the way, she fends off wolves, hunts for food, and swims miles and miles."
August 4, 2023
Very long. Story starts before title page, but not as a prologue or anything, it just starts. Hard to realize that there's fold-out spread as the family swims for shore from a small floe. Pictures are more interesting than text, imo, but they're awfully pretty, and don't vibe real (as if the bears are stuffed animals, not predators). Does include back matter.
December 2, 2024
Genre: informational nonfiction
Grade Level: k-3
This book was fabulous. The pictures are beautiful and the story is as if a nature documentary was written out. It's a realistic story of a mother bear and her two cubs. I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed that in the back of the book there was a diagram of a polar bear and an extra page with more facts on it.
Grade Level: k-3
This book was fabulous. The pictures are beautiful and the story is as if a nature documentary was written out. It's a realistic story of a mother bear and her two cubs. I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed that in the back of the book there was a diagram of a polar bear and an extra page with more facts on it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews