Where Do Polar Bears Live?

Sarah L. Thomson
Illustrated by Jason Chin

Four months ago a polar cub was born in this Arctic den, and he depended only on his mother for his milk and heat. Finally, in the spring, they leave the den to play and explore. The Arctic is cold … even with the sun, if could be fifty degrees below zero, but with their thick fur and layer of fat under the skin, being outside is an opportunity to soak up the sun. The mother wants to eat, so she hunts, looking for prey that will fill their stomachs. On the Arctic Island where the mother and cub live, there is land, rocks, and tundra. She is not the only one looking for food. An Arctic fox competes for the meat she has caught. The cub will stay with his mother for two years before he strikes out on his own. When he is full-grown, he will become the biggest hunter on land … yet, the polar bears will become thinner without ice to live on and prey to hunt.

This book was very informative on an educational level. I’m not sure the reading level is appropriate for the information presented, although children do need to be made aware of the ecological changes. The Illustrations are warm and colorful and add to the scientific information presented.

BIBLIO: 2010, Harper Collins Children’s Books, Ages 5 – 9, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Easy to Read Science
ISBN: 976-0-06-157518-1

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 3/31/10