An unprecedented snowfall hits Henry’s mountain town, causing speculation of a new Ice Age. One day, Henry is knocked unconscious when the snow tunnel he is in collapses. Coming to, he recollects seeing a hairy creature in the tunnel and becomes obsessed with finding it. While searching, he falls into a tunnel where he encounters an injured bear-like animal. He names it Yarp, lures it to his house, hides it in his yard, and nurses it back to health. When Yarp recovers, Henry follows him into a snow cave where he meets Yarp’s family. Suddenly, a pack of sabre-toothed creatures attack. Henry scares them away, but fearing for the Yarp family’s safety, he moves them into the school-ground tunnels and rallies his classmates to protect them. When the sabre-toothed creatures reappear, the students drive them away with snowballs, saving the Yarp family. Concepts of extinction and climate change are incorporated.

240 pp., 5 × 7.5", b&w illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Rebecca Wood Barrett is an award-winning writer and filmmaker whose short fiction has been published in literary journals such as Room and the Antigonish Review. Her debut novel, My Best Friend Is Extinct was shortlisted for the Red Cedar Book Award and won the Chocolate Lily Award. She has an MFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia and lives in Whistler, British Columbia, where she teaches writing and filmmaking to kids of all ages.

Rebecca Wood Barrett's profile page

Cornelia Li is a Chinese-born illustrator currently based in Toronto. She is intrigued by narrative woven into daily interactions between people and their surroundings and she set out to capture the relationship by externalizing the ideas and emotions into elements in her images. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Communication Arts, the AOI, 3x3, the National Magazine Awards and more.

 

Cornelia Li's profile page

• Nominated, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
• Nominated, Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“A simple and fun middle grade read that would be wonderful to highlight during the winter season…A great read aloud for 3rd or 4th grade.”

Kiss the Book

“A truly exciting and entertaining novel for younger readers. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Artwork is expressive...to accompany Wood Barrett’s imaginative storytelling. But most effective is the relatable and charming Henry, who learns lessons about bravery, trust, and friendship through his sweet relationship with a prehistoric friend.”

Quill & Quire

“Engaging and intriguing...A heartwarming tale of finding home.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“Whimsical b&w illustrations increase the appeal of this sweet tale…Readers who enjoy adventure stories with animals will appreciate the fast-paced chapters and the touching bond between a boy and his 'bear.’”

Publishers Weekly

“Illustrations throughout add charm to the story. A good choice for lovers of animal and friendship stories.”

Kirkus Reviews

"My Best Friend Is Extinct is a wild romp through the hidden world of a snow-covered town. Readers will cheer for quirky and loveable Henry as he navigates the challenges of friendship with his classmates and his new buddy and prehistoric creature, Yarp."

Sara Leach, award-winning author of Count Me In

“This is a must purchase for elementary school libraries as well as home libraries as much for its unique plot and dynamic action as for its message to children who find a similar cause that can bring them together.”

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