A Bear Far from Home by Susan Fletcher, Rebecca Green
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593181891
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

A beautiful nonfiction picture book that will amaze and educate readers from pre-K to grade three. Rachel Green’s attractive cover immediately reminds readers of Jan Brett’s illustrations. Based on a true story from around 1251 when the King Henry III of England was gifted a polar bear from the king of Norway. The bear is out of its element, but King Henry orders that the bear be allowed to swim and fish in the Thames. Fletcher invites readers to imagine what it would have been like to  be so far from home.  Green uses colors to distinguish time periods and emotional changes in the bear’s life. The author and illustrator notes are an excellent addition to a nicely crafted and packaged children’s nonfiction picture book.

The title would be useful in a presentation on a study of fiction vs. nonfiction picture books and art teachers in all grade levels could appreciate the incredible illustrations. Public librarians can put this in the hands of young readers who enjoy stories about wild animals.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian