Bhumika Goel / March 2023
The Last Bear is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages who love animals, adventures, and stories with a message. It’s a celebration of love between children and animals, a cry of unity to our world, and a fascinating story with a heart the size of a bear.
The Last Bear is a children’s novel by Hannah Gold about a girl named April who befriends a polar bear on a remote Arctic Island.
If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and inspire you to take action for our planet, you might want to check out The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. This debut novel tells the story of April, a lonely girl who spends six months on a remote Arctic Island with her father, a scientist studying climate change. There, she meets and befriends a stranded polar bear. The bear is starving on the island, and the girl decides to help him find his way home.
The main characters in the book are:
April is a 12-year-old girl who feels emotionally isolated and is fond of animals and nature. She travels with her father to Bear Island, where she meets the last polar bear.
The Bear: An abandoned bear, probably the last polar bear of Bear Island, is curious, playful, and loyal to April. He communicates with her through her gestures and sounds and helps her explore her island.
April’s Father is a scientist studying climate change on Bear Island. Busy and preoccupied with work, he often ignores her emotional needs in April. He is skeptical about a live polar bear on the island and thinks April has some weird imagination.
April’s Mother stays in England while April and her dad go to Bear Island. She suffers from depression and anxiety and has trouble coping with daily life. She loves April, but she has a hard time expressing it.
Dr. Jameson is April’s Father’s colleague who works in Kumashima. He is kind and gentle with April and tries to help her adapt to her harsh surroundings. He also shares some of his knowledge about polar bears with her.
The Last Bear is a beautifully written and illustrated book exploring the themes of friendship, courage, family, and environmentalism. The author creates a vivid and realistic setting that immerses the reader in the wonders and challenges of living in the Arctic. We love the stunning illustrations that perfectly complement the story, adding depth and emotion to every page.
This book also raises awareness of the plight of polar bears and other wildlife affected by global warming and the importance of individual action and responsibility. April is a relatable and lovable protagonist who demonstrates compassion, determination, and creativity to save her furry friend. Along the way, she also learns to reunite with her father and herself.
Author: Hannah Gold
Illustrator: Levi Pinfold
Format: Kindle Edition