Stanfords Children’s Book of the Month for January 2022 is The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold.
There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months. But one endless summer night, April meets one. He is starving, lonely and a long way from home. Determined to save him, April begins the most important journey of her life…
This moving story will win the hearts of children the world over and show them that no one is too young or insignificant to make a difference. The Last Bear is a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for our world and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear’s.
Hannah Gold says, “The character of Bear came to me first. I can’t remember
when or how, but suddenly he was gazing at me with his dark chocolate eyes and a forlorn, pleading expression on his face. I’ve always found it impossible to ignore animals, particularly ones as magnificent, regal and bighearted as Bear. There was a story he had to tell, and I, apparently, was the one to tell it.
When I wrote this book, most of the children’s books about climate change were dystopian. But I believe it’s not too late and that’s why I was keen to tell a story that showed how one girl, even a very little one, could create a huge impact. You don’t need to single-handedly rescue a polar bear like April (I wouldn’t advise that!), but I hope this book encourages every reader to believe that he or she can help. And if, like me, you’ve fallen in love with Bear, then the best way to help polar bears and protect our beautiful planet is to do everything you can to fight climate change.
With a loud enough roar, I know we can make a difference.”
The Last Bear is perfect for readers of 8+.
We have signed copies of The Last Bear available for £7.99
The biggest hardback debut of 2021 now in paperback.
Shortlisted for the 2022 Blue Peter Book Awards
Nominated for the 2022 CILIP Carnegie Medal
‘This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable’ -Michael Morpurgo
‘A dazzling debut . . . A magical, con dently told story – with beautiful illustrations by Levi Pinfold . . . I predict a roaring success’ -The Times Children’s Book of the Week
‘A lyrical debut’ -Telegraph
’This book evokes a powerful and tender relationship . . . and is a roaring call to protect the planet’ -The Sunday Times Book of the Week
‘Enchanting debut . . . This book is a delight’ -Daily Mail
Here is Hannah Gold introducing The Last Bear: