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Science Comics
Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice
Head out to the Arctic and learn about polar bears in this volume of Science Comics, Survival on the Ice , an action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers!
Do you have what it takes to live in one of the harshest places in the world? What if you had just a couple years to gain the knowledge you'll need to survive on your own? Join two curious polar bear cubs as they play, hunt, and navigate life in the Arctic. With each season, they learn polar bear biology and behavior, as well as strategies and skills that will help them thrive in a landscape that is rapidly changing beyond their control. Living with super insulated bodies in a world that's melting? For polar bears, keeping cool is the name of the game!
Get ready to explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, Science Comics is for you!
Do you have what it takes to live in one of the harshest places in the world? What if you had just a couple years to gain the knowledge you'll need to survive on your own? Join two curious polar bear cubs as they play, hunt, and navigate life in the Arctic. With each season, they learn polar bear biology and behavior, as well as strategies and skills that will help them thrive in a landscape that is rapidly changing beyond their control. Living with super insulated bodies in a world that's melting? For polar bears, keeping cool is the name of the game!
Get ready to explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, Science Comics is for you!
128 pages, Hardcover
Published December 31, 2018
11 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 12, 2025
Amazing book! I loved learning about polar bears, especially the hunting techniques! Looking forward to my next science comics!
April 6, 2024
A fine kids polar bear science book. After the brain book I was thinking maybe the series had gone off track. There is a limit to how much info dumping you can do. When this book got to climate change, it went at it just a little bit too deep. But otherwise the framing device worked and the level was pretty good. And it seemed to get pretty geeky with the ice, but still kept it light. Definitely one of the better ones.
March 17, 2021
I didn't want this to end. I'm looking to getting the other ones from the library too!
November 7, 2019
Science Comics: Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice by Jason Viola, illustrated by Zack Giallongo. 120 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL/ NON-FICTION First Second (Roaring Brook Press), 2019. $20.
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A mother polar bear is teaching her two bear cubs about how to survive. As she teaches them to hunt and build dens, she also explains different parts of the eco-system that affect their survival, such as the ice. Mama polar bear explains interactions polar bears have had with humans and how the climate change is affecting their lives.
I enjoyed this non-fiction glimpse into the lives of polar bears and their interesting habits. Some of the Science Comic graphic novels have concepts that are too hard for elementary readers to understand, but this one is perfect for upper elementary or middle school. I think this is an effective way to show how climate change is impacting the animals of our world and why the ice maters to our planet. I put the violence as PG because when the bears are eating a whale it is bloody.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A mother polar bear is teaching her two bear cubs about how to survive. As she teaches them to hunt and build dens, she also explains different parts of the eco-system that affect their survival, such as the ice. Mama polar bear explains interactions polar bears have had with humans and how the climate change is affecting their lives.
I enjoyed this non-fiction glimpse into the lives of polar bears and their interesting habits. Some of the Science Comic graphic novels have concepts that are too hard for elementary readers to understand, but this one is perfect for upper elementary or middle school. I think this is an effective way to show how climate change is impacting the animals of our world and why the ice maters to our planet. I put the violence as PG because when the bears are eating a whale it is bloody.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
January 27, 2019
I really like the Science Comic Series. They cover many subject matters, but this one is about Polar Bears as well as what it takes to survive in the high north. It shares information about the formation of ice, the melting of the polar ice caps and global warming as well as what we can do to stop it. We learn about a polar bear family, how they live, what they eat, how they hunt and more. Buckle up as you read this adventure about Anik, Isla and their mother.
Join two curious polar bear cubs as they play, hunt, and navigate life in the Arctic. With the assistance of their mother they learn polar bear biology and behaviour, as well as strategies and skills that will help them thrive in a landscape that is rapidly changing beyond their control. Each season brings different challenges and changes in their way of life. We learn about the family unit and why their father is not with them. Even though Isla feels bad for the seals they are hunting, her mother shares that they do not feel what is happening and that they all love the seals, they love them so much they want them inside them. This book shares a lot of information about Polar Bears in a cute and competitive way between siblings. I learned a few things from this book that I did not know about the polar ice caps or polar bears. The graphics are well done. They are not too scary, but the bears are definitely wild animals and although the cubs are cute, they are not pictured as pets. The graphics add greatly to the text and information shared. A great addition to a school, classroom or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Join two curious polar bear cubs as they play, hunt, and navigate life in the Arctic. With the assistance of their mother they learn polar bear biology and behaviour, as well as strategies and skills that will help them thrive in a landscape that is rapidly changing beyond their control. Each season brings different challenges and changes in their way of life. We learn about the family unit and why their father is not with them. Even though Isla feels bad for the seals they are hunting, her mother shares that they do not feel what is happening and that they all love the seals, they love them so much they want them inside them. This book shares a lot of information about Polar Bears in a cute and competitive way between siblings. I learned a few things from this book that I did not know about the polar ice caps or polar bears. The graphics are well done. They are not too scary, but the bears are definitely wild animals and although the cubs are cute, they are not pictured as pets. The graphics add greatly to the text and information shared. A great addition to a school, classroom or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
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September 13, 2023How? Another Science Comic from the library (reading broken up with some Calvin & Hobbes).
What? Mom polar bear takes her two cubs through the paces of what it means to be a polar bear: the ice is the basis of their life and ecology (plankton eaten by fish eaten by seals eaten by bears). There's sections on reproduction and life cycle, with little bits about the other parts of their world. (Special points for the bear who was tagged and reports it like an alien abduction.)
Of couse, the book ends with the massive and unchanging bummer of how humans are damning polar bears to extinction, with the note that we can stop it -- but who believes that?
Yeah, so? I sometimes want to watch nonfiction animal documentaries with the kiddo, before I remember that those docs are mostly blood and guts. That's a lot of the polar bear book, even when things are going well for them. (Or especially when things are going well for them.) And when it's not, it's a lot of end times for them.
What? Mom polar bear takes her two cubs through the paces of what it means to be a polar bear: the ice is the basis of their life and ecology (plankton eaten by fish eaten by seals eaten by bears). There's sections on reproduction and life cycle, with little bits about the other parts of their world. (Special points for the bear who was tagged and reports it like an alien abduction.)
Of couse, the book ends with the massive and unchanging bummer of how humans are damning polar bears to extinction, with the note that we can stop it -- but who believes that?
Yeah, so? I sometimes want to watch nonfiction animal documentaries with the kiddo, before I remember that those docs are mostly blood and guts. That's a lot of the polar bear book, even when things are going well for them. (Or especially when things are going well for them.) And when it's not, it's a lot of end times for them.
October 9, 2018
Viola, Jason. Science Comics: Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice. First Second, 2018.
Science Comics is back again with another riveting adventure filled with facts about the life of polar bears. Follow two polar bear pups as they grow up, and learn about these fascinating creatures: their habitat, their habits, what they eat, and how we can protect them. Colorful illustrations and facts and details are great for readers who prefer nonfiction titles, and the graphic novel format makes this book accessible for a wide range of reading levels.
Recommended for: tweens and middle grade
Red Flags: none
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for the purpose of review.
Science Comics is back again with another riveting adventure filled with facts about the life of polar bears. Follow two polar bear pups as they grow up, and learn about these fascinating creatures: their habitat, their habits, what they eat, and how we can protect them. Colorful illustrations and facts and details are great for readers who prefer nonfiction titles, and the graphic novel format makes this book accessible for a wide range of reading levels.
Recommended for: tweens and middle grade
Red Flags: none
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for the purpose of review.
March 28, 2019
I'd give this one a 3.5 and definitely add it to my classroom library if I were teaching middle grade science. Not only do readers learn essential facts about polar bears, but they learn about the different types of ice in their environment as well as what's underneath those ice floes. Readers also learn about how these impressive animals hunt for food and how contaminants and global warming is affecting them. Since the story follows a mother polar bear and her two young as they look for seals, it is clear that survival isn't a sure thing even though the young polar bears will stay with their mother for a couple of years. The young ones also learn that the blubber and not the meat is what is most prized by their species. This is accessible and enjoyable reading for just about anyone.
December 19, 2020
This nonfiction book for late elementary readers is part of the “Science Comics” series; the colorful graphic format is an enticing and engaging way to learn about the lives of polar bears and how humans affect them. Information is jam-packed into a fun narrative that follows a mother polar bear teaching her cubs how to survive in the Arctic. It also discusses the impact humans have on their habitat via climate change and water contamination and includes great sections on “How do we save the bears? A sampling of human ideas” as well as “How to actually help the bears! A sampling of human solutions”. The accuracy of the facts is validated through a foreword by polar bear scientist (Ph.D.), a glossary, endnotes, and a list of resources for further reading.
May 6, 2019
Part of the Science Comics series
Using humor, brightly colored graphics, and apparently thorough research, this book gives an interesting while introductory look at the life of polar bears. Readers will be entranced by the antics of the twin polar bear cubs learning what it takes to survive on the ice. It also addresses the plight they face due to climate change but without taking away all hope. There are a few panels dedicated to some things humans can do to help the polar bears at the end.
There are a few suggestions for further reading as well as glossary, ice terminology, and notes at the back of the book.
Using humor, brightly colored graphics, and apparently thorough research, this book gives an interesting while introductory look at the life of polar bears. Readers will be entranced by the antics of the twin polar bear cubs learning what it takes to survive on the ice. It also addresses the plight they face due to climate change but without taking away all hope. There are a few panels dedicated to some things humans can do to help the polar bears at the end.
There are a few suggestions for further reading as well as glossary, ice terminology, and notes at the back of the book.
September 15, 2021
This is a fun informational book for students on Polar Bears. The information is presented in comic book style, with lots of fun illustrations. At the end of the book there is a glossary with new terminology for students, and scientific explanations of some of the things that were talked about in the book. This would be a great book to have on hand for students who like to learn about animals but may not like reading the typical informational book.
January 3, 2019
I was trying to take this slow so I could savor it and completely failed! This is a graphic novel written from the perspective of a mama polar bear teaching her two cubs how to be polar bears. The result is a hugely entertaining, witty, adorable, and educational work of art. Not just for kids - I learned a lot!
January 5, 2019
Wonderful way to teach people about polar bears. I have read lots of books on polar bears but really enjoyed the humor in the comic used to explain the life of a polar bear as human science understands it and all without making the bears appear human in personality. I suggest people all ages read to learn and be entertained!
March 10, 2019
The perfect combination of words and pictures that communicate facts, funny, and heart. Another great entry in this series of STEM graphic novels! Zack Giallongo's lovable polar bears are full of movement and action in total harmony with the very readable and many times humorous prose of Jason Viola. First Second would be smart in teaming these two up again.
June 16, 2019
I love Polar Bears! This book was fun to read and teaches so many wonderful and amazing things about Polar Bear.
It makes me sad to think that in the near future these amazing creatures might cease to exist. I know I will do all I can to help save this magnificent animal for future generations to enjoy.
It makes me sad to think that in the near future these amazing creatures might cease to exist. I know I will do all I can to help save this magnificent animal for future generations to enjoy.
August 5, 2025
I am planning an Arctic unit study for my students, and I will definitely be using this book!
This graphic novel is packed full of educational information as we follow two little polar bears learning to navigate their world.
It covers everything from polar bear habitat and adaptations to climate change and potential solutions.
I really want to check out more from this series now!
This graphic novel is packed full of educational information as we follow two little polar bears learning to navigate their world.
It covers everything from polar bear habitat and adaptations to climate change and potential solutions.
I really want to check out more from this series now!
December 8, 2019
A fictional story of two polar bear cubs is interspersed with factual information about their habitat and life cycle. What I appreciated most was how the authors made clear how climate change affects these animals.
June 17, 2020
children's graphic nonfiction (polar bears / climate change)
this was mostly about polar bears, with a few pages on climate change, but didn't seem as full of information as some of the other science comics. Still, kids should like it fine.
this was mostly about polar bears, with a few pages on climate change, but didn't seem as full of information as some of the other science comics. Still, kids should like it fine.
May 2, 2021
4.5 stars. A fun and engaging introduction to polar bears, their behaviors, and environment, as well as kid-friendly information about pollution and climate change and how that affects polar bears and other Arctic life.
November 10, 2021
I thought that this book was more story than information, and I enjoy the science comics because I learn so much from them. I learned just about nothing from this one, and I was already very educated about polar bears, or the author didn’t try as hard with this on.
February 9, 2019
Kind of interesting
March 26, 2019
One of the top books in the series. Fun to read storyline is excellently paired up with facts.
July 15, 2019
Well-written and easy to understand for children. It's also entertaining enough for adults. You will feel as if you are learning and having a good time as you read.
January 10, 2020
Graphic novel that provides interesting facts while still being fun to read. Good for third grade and up.
February 20, 2021
Such a cool idea! See http://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/2021... for more.
March 7, 2021
Framed by a mother bear teaching her two cubs how to survive, this is packed with everything you could ever need to know about polar bears in an easily digestible format.
Want to read
April 25, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 28, 2021
Will the polar bear catch the seal?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2021
Жалко тюленей(
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January 29, 2023Logan received this graphic novel for Christmas and really enjoyed reading this book. He said he would like to read more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews