When I first requested Hannah Gold’s middle grade novel, Finding Bear, I didn’t realize that it was a sequel to Gold’s first novel The Last Bear in The Last Bear series. I borrowed The Last Bear from the library and read it in preparation for the second installment, and I really enjoyed both!

Aimed at readers 8 and up it is a powerful message about the state of the Arctic, the demise and hunger of the polar bears and the impact of climate change on all creatures in this special part of our world. By weaving these messages into a heartwarming story it opens doors for great conversation and interest into the fate of these wonderful polar bears. We can’t afford to let them go extinct in a book or in reality. When April discovers that Bear is trying to save his cub, the journey becomes even more urgent as they fight to survive. The reader, while being so wrapped up in April’s emotions and the dramatic action, is also inescapably learning about the impact of climate change on this special environment and the responsibility we all have to protect it. I thoroughly enjoyed Hannah Gold's first book in this series - Finding Bear - and was more than excited when I heard there would be a sequel. As a fellow Arctic fanatic, I wanted to follow up on April's previous adventures with Bear - a polar bear she helped rescue in the first book. The unmissable follow-up to the phenomenal bestselling and award-winning The Last Bear . Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold and perfect for readers 8+ Descriptions in this fast paced plot are simply wonderful, conveying the Arctic temperature and inhospitable, threatening environment with razor sharp accuracy so that any reader can experience the cold and dark alongside April. Add in the truly amazing illustrations by Levi Pinfold and Finding Bear is a very special book indeed.When April hears that a polar bear has been shot and injured in Svalbard, she's convinced it's her friend and persuades her dad to travel with her to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. So begins an unforgettable journey across frozen tundra and icy glaciers. April Wood has returned home from her adventure on Bear Island. But, over a year later, she can't stop thinking about Bear. When April hears that a polar bear has been shot and injured in Svalbard, she's convinced it's her friend and persuades her dad to travel with her to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. So begins an unforgettable journey across frozen tundra and icy glaciers. - But along the way, she discovers much more than she bargained for - a tiny polar bear cub, desperately in need of her help. Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, Finding Bear is a stunning story of survival and hope that reminds us how change is made from the smallest beginnings, and asks how far we are prepared to go to protect what we love.

But along the way, she discovers much more than she bargained for – a tiny polar bear cub, desperately in need of her help. In freezing temperatures, April must navigate the dangerous Arctic terrain and face her deepest fears if she’s to save him.This is gorgeous writing for both young readers up to adults. Joyous escapism and getting the true message across to children about the plight of the polar bears who are facing starvation today. The way it’s blended just works. It’s not preachy or over the top and the storytelling is lovely. I was on the edge of my seat! Full of action and danger, this book had me tense and hopeful that everything was going to turn out all right. April and her Dad make a fantastic team and although they have their differences, it was nice to see how they interact with each other as the book progresses. Some big changes have happened in April's life and her character progression as she learned to deal with and accept these changes was lovely to see. Through April’s journey, author Hannah Gold takes us to a “complete, unfiltered wilderness” — through glaciers, fjords and ice caves, a scape made even more dangerous from the scars of human activity.

The author’s passion for her subject makes for a powerful and memorable reading experience that will certainly not disappoint the many fans of the award-winning The Last Bear, providing a satisfying and credible outcome which leaves you filled with hope for both April and Bear. The perfect blend of adventure and environmental activism, with real emotional depth. As she breathed, she realised something both profound and simple at the same time. She was not just a child. She was made of the stars, the light, the very breath of the universe. And the universe shines bright within us all.” I love these book and the focus on his humans are impacting the natural world, I love the artic landscape and getting to meet the polar bears again. I did initially have some frustration with the character of April who seemed hell bent on ignoring all the safety protocols and putting herself constantly in danger. I loved seeing bear and peanut and the relationship April has with bear. I loved going on another artic adventure and the discussion this book promotes with climate change, nature conservation and human impact is huge and so vital. April Wood has returned home from her adventure on Bear Island. But, over a year later, she can't stop thinking about Bear.

BookBliss

A triumphant return to April and Bear's world, this time with the loveliest baby bear. A roaringly snowy adventure' Nizrana Farook - I commend Gold for using storytelling, specifically April Wood’s story, to demonstrate the ways in which April’s experiences demonstrate to readers how climate change (global warming) affects an environment and all living things in that environment. And while April’s friendship with a polar bear which she affectionately names Bear is the fantastical element of this series, April befriends other people (children and adults), who support her not only her dream to live in the Arctic close to Bear but also her mission to fight climate change. This story also touches on a father/daughter relationship after the loss of April’s mother, the relationship she and her father have with other family members, and how April navigates complex relationships with adults when she herself is still a child. But along the way, she discovers much more than she bargained for - a tiny polar bear cub, desperately in need of her help. In freezing temperatures, April must navigate the dangerous Arctic terrain and face her deepest fears if she's to save him. Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, Finding Bear is a stunning story of survival, a heartwarming tale of love and shows us how hope is born from the smallest of beginnings.