Ice Journey of the Polar Bear

Written by a conservation biologist, this beautifully illustrated and atmospheric story gently explores the life of a polar bear in a time of climate change.

It snowed last night.
The first time this season.
More is on its way.

For a polar bear, winter’s first snow is a sign that it’s time to make a den—a safe place for her to sleep through the harsh season and give birth to her cubs. But the Arctic is changing; familiar landscapes are melting. What kind of world will her cubs grow up in? The story’s clear text and gorgeous, affecting illustrations capture the massive bear’s movements amid a crystalline landscape, while quietly observing the loosening ice and other effects of climate change on her life and that of her active cubs. Back matter offers more information and suggestions on how we can help protect the planet for these majestic animals.

Martin Jenkins is a conservation biologist and the award-winning writer of many nonfiction books for children, among them the Find Out About . . . series, illustrated by Jane McGuinness; The Emperor’s Egg, illustrated by Jane Chapman; and A Walk Through the Rain Forest, illustrated by Vicky White. Martin Jenkins lives in Cambridge, England.

Lou Baker-Smith is an illustrator and designer whose work has appeared in picture books, magazines, greeting cards, on packaging, and more. This is her first book with Candlewick Press. She lives in England.