BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
In 1251 or 1252 King Haakon IV of Norway gave Henry III of England a white bear to have in his menagerie at the Tower of London. Susan Fletcher uses historical documents and modern knowledge of polar bears to weave a history of that bear. This story starts with the birth of the cub and follows her through her life into captivity.
The story is thoughtful and invites the reader to consider the existence of animals in captivity. I liked that this book is a readable non-fiction. The facts are presented with great heart and the reader feels for this before unknown bear. I like books that make history an appealing puzzle for children to resolve. The illustrations reference the medieval art of the era and are a history lesson in themselves.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
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