There are no polar bears left on Bear Island.
At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months. But one endless summer night, April meets one. He is starving, lonely and a long way from home. Determined to save him, April begins the most important journey of her life…
Debut novel by Hannah Gold, this moving story will win the hearts of children the world over and show them that no one is too young or insignificant to make a difference. The Last Bear is a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for our world and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear’s. Publishing ahead of International Polar Bear Day, The Last Bear is printed in a glorious, hardback gift edition with illustrations by Levi Pinfold, who said...
"I was sent the manscript and I loved it, it's exactly the type of book I would like to read to my own daughter. It's got a lovely exploration of the relationship between a father and a daugher. It feels very believable but fantastical, a journey to a place which really exists, a magical setting with remote, isolated landscapes. A touching and well-drawn relationship between a girl and an animal, it was a pleasure to read and very much a pleasure to illustrate."
You can see many more of Levi's artworks for the book on his recently updated portfolio plus a very special video showing his process and how he created the illustrations for this beautiful book...
LEVI PINFOLD The Last Bear Illustrations and video.
Hannah Gold said...
“The character of Bear came to me first. I can’t remember when or how, but suddenly he was gazing at me with his dark chocolate eyes and a forlorn, pleading expression on his face. I’ve always found it impossible to ignore animals, particularly ones as magnificent, regal and bighearted as Bear. There was a story he had to tell, and I, apparently, was the one to tell it.
When I wrote this book, most of the children’s books about climate change were dystopian. But I believe it’s not too late and that’s why I was keen to tell a story that showed how one girl, even a very little one, could create a huge impact. You don’t need to single-handedly rescue a polar bear like April (I wouldn’t advise that!), but I hope this book encourages every reader to believe that he or she can help. And if, like me, you’ve fallen in love with Bear, then the best way to help polar bears and protect our beautiful planet is to do everything you can to fight climate change. With a loud enough roar, I know we can make a difference.”
“This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable.” Michael Morpurgo
“April’s journey into the Arctic wilderness is every bit as magical as Lucy Pevensie’s tumble through the wardrobe into Narnia, conjuring that same sense of absolute wonder. A beautiful, unforgettable début, enhanced by Pinfold’s breath-taking art.” Fiona Noble, Book of the Month, The Bookseller
“A heart-warming and magical story of a very special relationship between a child and a polar bear which will inspire readers of all ages to realise that they, like April, can make a difference in the battle against climate change.” Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading
Find out more about Hannah Gold
The Last Bear is published in the UK by Harper Collins
