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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a classic tale of adventure and friendship with a child friendly yet passionate and honest approach to discussing the tragic effects of climate change. this is the kind of book that has the power to spark empathy and gently open the eyes of the next (and hopefully current) generation to the impact of global warming and inspire them to ask questions and take action.
A gentle yet potent debut that champions conservation whilst touching upon loss and healing at the same time.
Since April's mother died, her father has grown ever-distant - throwing himself into his work. So when an opportunity arises for them both to work on the remote Bear Island within the Arctic Circle, April and Dad, both recognise great potential in the trip even if their goals are different. Whilst April hopes that the solitude might bring them closer together, her father sees this as an even greater opportunity to become lost in research. With no one to really talk to or be with, April tours the island only to find it has another resident - a lost, neglected polar bear.
For me, there were strong connections to Anthony Browne's [b:Gorilla|460285|Gorilla|Anthony Browne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427163953l/460285._SX50_.jpg|448753]. A girl, ignored, largely by her father, finds love and solace in a male replacement in the form of an animal. The difference being here that the animal needs saving and taking to a new place. The bear as a foil for her own father would make for an interesting comparison too.
Hannah's writing is full of poetry and emotion. Whilst Bear is wild, April is caught between sensibility and the special gift she has with being attuned to nature; it is this that allows her to communicate with Bear throughout. This connection between reality and the magical wildness of the landscape and Bear was something I enjoyed and there were times when I wondered, like April's father, whether Bear was real or not. All of which is heightened by Levi Pinfold's outstanding illustrations throughout.
The Last Bear is juggling two big things; the loss of a loved one and the loss of our planet. Both are deeply connected anyway and readers might enjoy reflecting on both and making the connections that the author presents us with. There's plenty to unpick here should you want to but also, it's a gentle story with much to take in and ponder should you wish to.
Since April's mother died, her father has grown ever-distant - throwing himself into his work. So when an opportunity arises for them both to work on the remote Bear Island within the Arctic Circle, April and Dad, both recognise great potential in the trip even if their goals are different. Whilst April hopes that the solitude might bring them closer together, her father sees this as an even greater opportunity to become lost in research. With no one to really talk to or be with, April tours the island only to find it has another resident - a lost, neglected polar bear.
For me, there were strong connections to Anthony Browne's [b:Gorilla|460285|Gorilla|Anthony Browne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427163953l/460285._SX50_.jpg|448753]. A girl, ignored, largely by her father, finds love and solace in a male replacement in the form of an animal. The difference being here that the animal needs saving and taking to a new place. The bear as a foil for her own father would make for an interesting comparison too.
Hannah's writing is full of poetry and emotion. Whilst Bear is wild, April is caught between sensibility and the special gift she has with being attuned to nature; it is this that allows her to communicate with Bear throughout. This connection between reality and the magical wildness of the landscape and Bear was something I enjoyed and there were times when I wondered, like April's father, whether Bear was real or not. All of which is heightened by Levi Pinfold's outstanding illustrations throughout.
The Last Bear is juggling two big things; the loss of a loved one and the loss of our planet. Both are deeply connected anyway and readers might enjoy reflecting on both and making the connections that the author presents us with. There's plenty to unpick here should you want to but also, it's a gentle story with much to take in and ponder should you wish to.