Dear Polar Bears is a lighthearted picture book for young audiences that prompts discussion about polar bear and penguin habitats, animal adaptations, and climate change. The penguins' letter for the polar bears to come and visit them in this story invites inquiry and critical thinking about the basic needs of animals and the adaptations they make to survive in their environments. This is a valuable educational resource for students in kindergarten to grade two Science. In addition, for students in kindergarten to grade two Social Studies, this story demonstrates how local actions have global consequences as students extend their thinking about how animal habitats are disappearing as a result of climate change. Students can practice writing a letter to the polar bears or penguins in this story to pose questions about what they've learned, and they can think about ways that they can make a difference.

Other End Matter: Final pages provide facts about penguins and polar bears, the North Pole and South Pole, and the loss of penguin and polar bear habitats due to climate change
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Gabrielle Prendergast is a UK-born Canadian/Australian who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband and daughter. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Gabrielle is the author of the verse novels Capricious and Audacious, which was shortlisted for a CLA Award, and The Frail Days in the Orca Limelights and the middle-grade novel Pandas on the Eastside. For More information, visit www.angelhorn.com.

Gabrielle Prendergast's profile page

Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator from Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more and he has worked with a variety of clients including chickaDEE Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada. He is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. He lives in Tecumseh, Ontario.

Marcus Cutler's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“A work of art in both writing and pictures…An imaginative story with a nonfiction flare.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Cute, comical, and relatable to anyone who has traveled a long distance to visit someone...Cutler’s artwork entices all ages to read this book and, along with Prendergast’s fun facts, results in Dear Polar Bears’ being an enjoyable book that can be read over and over. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Marcus Cutler’s detailed digital illustrations add context and help guide young readers through the story.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“Lighthearted fun for all, with some solid underlying messages.”

Kirkus Reviews

“An adventurous tale that helps children understand the differences and the distance between the planet’s icy extremes.”

Hakai Magazine