The Polar Bears’ Journey

Nanu’s home on the glacier is melting more each day. Food is becoming harder to find, and other polar bear families have moved away. Nanu and his mom try waiting for Father bear to return from hunting, but eventually, the lack of food makes it so they must move on as well. With the help of a tern pathfinder, they set up across the sea to find a new home. It is a dangerous and uncertain quest and Nanu is afraid of leaving the only home he has known. Will Mom bear and Nanu find a new home, will Dad bear ever return from his hunting quest? The Polar Bears’ Journey by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Roksolana Panchyshyn is a heartwarming story about survival and not giving up hope. This captivating picture book is written in a way that children will be able to relate to Nanu’s fears and concerns. Mom bear is strong and calm, acknowledging Nanu’s fears and helping him work through them. The overall feel of this meaningful story is one of hope and perseverance. The parallel between the polar bears and refugee families is easy to connect. This is a great way to introduce the topic to young children. Children will love the fascinating artwork in this engaging story. The colors and detail work will draw them in and help make the story memorable. The Polar Bears’ Journey is a thought-provoking story about leaving your home and heading off for lands unknown. Immigration and the plight of refugees is a hard topic to explain to small children and this brilliant story explains it in a way that they will understand. Parents and teachers will find this exceptional picture book a useful tool when covering current events and in teaching empathy. The themes of survival and hope will stay with those that read this encouraging story.