The Last Bear is action packed with amazing adventures around the Arctic and follows the unusual friendship between a polar bear and a lonely 11-year-old girl, April Wood.

April comes face to face with a polar bear exactly three weeks after she arrives on Bear Island. She’s travelling with her dad, who is researching the effects of global warming on the Arctic region. She knows from her experience with the garden foxes that the worst thing she could do would be to try and reach out to a polar bear. But when she first touches ‘Bear’, she knows that nothing could break their new bond and her determination to help Bear. Although she was warned by her dad and Tör, the son of the ship’s captain, that polar bears are highly dangerous, she has a perfect plan to get Bear home to Svalbard.

My favourite part of this book is the tender and special friendship between April and Bear. In the beginning, April is intimidated and slightly unsure (as you would be!) to meet Bear, so she uses her binoculars to examine from afar, but eventually she approaches carefully and slowly, and their friendship begins. I admire April’s courage and determination as I don’t think I would have befriended and helped a lost wild animal all by myself!

This story is unforgettable and it’s very clear that the author cares deeply about global warming and animals. Give this book a go. It is a perfect book to read to make you feel warm on a cool night!

Reviewed by Isabella, Year 5
Pymble Ladies College, Pymble NSW
Age Guide 8+