A Polar Bear in the Snow
by Mac Barnett (Author) Shawn Harris (Illustrator)
A majestic polar bear heads out on a mysterious walk in a dazzling, playful collaboration from an exciting pair of picture-book creators.
Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human . . . where is he going? What does he want? Acclaimed author Mac Barnett's narration deftly balances suspense and emotion, as well as poignant, subtle themes, compelling us to follow the bear with each page turn. Artist Shawn Harris's striking torn-paper illustrations layer white-on-white hues, with bolts of blue and an interplay of shadow and light, for a gorgeous view of a stark yet beautiful landscape.
Simple and thought-provoking, illuminating and intriguing, this engaging picture book will have readers pondering the answer to its final question long after the polar bear has continued on his way.
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1--Against a textured white landscape with the appearance of newly fallen snow, a polar bear awakens from his nap and the omniscient narrator asks: What will he do next? This striking, impressive bear, hardly more than a nose and eyes in early scenes, takes readers along with him as he encounters other arctic animals--seals playing in the snow--and a man who obviously has been visiting the area. And what the polar bear does next is dive into the ocean and swim with fish. The simple text on each page is large and bold, making this ideal for those just beginning to read. The questions the text asks are a great hook for children, who can listen for cues and become part of the storytelling. The effective paper-cut collage scenes of the polar bear contrast with the blue of the ocean, complete with an ebullient underwater view of the bear swimming with fish. VERDICT An engaging, easy-to-read tale, perfect for winter story hours.--Annmarie Braithwaite, New York P.L., New York City
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
The captivating cut-paper-and-ink illustrations are appropriately atmospheric, offering varied perspectives. They perfectly suit the prose's quiet grandeur, and occasional blank or nearly blank pages suggest a completely snow-blanketed bear. The art reflects the peace, solitude, and colors of the Arctic habitat and depicts other wildlife that reside there, such as seals on which polar bears prey and arctic foxes. Charming, scenic, and a winning must for the youngest polar bear lovers.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The four spreads depicting his undersea adventures are particularly appealing, portraying the bear swimming playfully among a myriad of sea creatures. With a snarky ending that Barnett readers have come to expect ("Where will he go then? / Who knows?"), this can be widely shared with little ones participating in one-on-one lap sits and toddler story hours to those beginning to read independently.
—Booklist (starred review)
—The Horn Book
This book is ok.
I liked when the polar bear wanted to play in the sea. I also like the polar bear. You should read this book. To make this better you can some more words.
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
JUV030120 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Polar Regions
