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The Last Bear #1
De laatste beer
Er leven geen ijsberen meer op Bereneiland.
Tenminste, dat is wat Aprils vader haar vertelt als ze voor zijn onderzoek zes maanden naar het noordpoolgebied moeten. Maar op een avond vangt April een glimp op van een beervormige schim aan de horizon. Het is een ijsbeer die daar niet hoort; hij heeft honger, is eenzaam en ver weg van huis. Een beer die iets mist – net als April.
Hun ongewone band groeit en April zet alles op alles om haar nieuwe vriend te redden. Zo begint de grootste en belangrijkste reis van haar leven.
Een reis om Beer te redden. En misschien wel zichzelf.
Dit ontroerende verhaal zal kinderen over de hele wereld laten zien dat je nooit te jong bent om een verschil te maken. De laatste beer gaat over de sterke band tussen kinderen en dieren en is een strijdkreet om goed voor onze planeet te zorgen.
Tenminste, dat is wat Aprils vader haar vertelt als ze voor zijn onderzoek zes maanden naar het noordpoolgebied moeten. Maar op een avond vangt April een glimp op van een beervormige schim aan de horizon. Het is een ijsbeer die daar niet hoort; hij heeft honger, is eenzaam en ver weg van huis. Een beer die iets mist – net als April.
Hun ongewone band groeit en April zet alles op alles om haar nieuwe vriend te redden. Zo begint de grootste en belangrijkste reis van haar leven.
Een reis om Beer te redden. En misschien wel zichzelf.
Dit ontroerende verhaal zal kinderen over de hele wereld laten zien dat je nooit te jong bent om een verschil te maken. De laatste beer gaat over de sterke band tussen kinderen en dieren en is een strijdkreet om goed voor onze planeet te zorgen.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2021
496 people are currently reading
7893 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gold
7 books374 followersHannah Gold worked in the film and magazine industries before taking time out to pursue her dream of writing. She lives in Lincolnshire with her tortoise, her cat and her husband. This is her middle grade debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,274 reviews
April 14, 2021
I just read my favorite book of the year! (those that know me, this is nothing new) I ordered this flat out when I got the email and read what it was about. The book is numbered, signed, has beautiful sprayed edges and I got an art print with it which is framed and ready for the wall. I’ll show the pics first.
What a perfect book to buy for my bday and the main character is named, April 😊💕🌸
April’s father takes her with him to an Arctic Outpost for six months while he does work with weather stuff. April and her father aren’t as close after
Her father is always busy so April wanders the island (Bear Island) and picks up crap from people that made it all the way to the island. I don’t want to give out any spoilers. Hell with it, I’ll put it in a spoiler tag. So...
This book made me cry so hard and I’m looking at even more things to do to help with the animals and nature that matter more to me than anything. I’m going to have to get creative as I do a lot now and I want to do many more things that matter before I die....
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾🌸
PS-The book is full of beautiful illustrations
What a perfect book to buy for my bday and the main character is named, April 😊💕🌸
April’s father takes her with him to an Arctic Outpost for six months while he does work with weather stuff. April and her father aren’t as close after
Her father is always busy so April wanders the island (Bear Island) and picks up crap from people that made it all the way to the island. I don’t want to give out any spoilers. Hell with it, I’ll put it in a spoiler tag. So...
This book made me cry so hard and I’m looking at even more things to do to help with the animals and nature that matter more to me than anything. I’m going to have to get creative as I do a lot now and I want to do many more things that matter before I die....
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾🌸
PS-The book is full of beautiful illustrations
February 4, 2021
I finished this one last night but wanted to wait a bit before writing my review, and this one stayed with me and I think that's a sign of just how important and amazing a read this is.
This book follows April who joins her father to Bear Island in the Atlantic circle. With it just being them two on the island for six months, April goes exploring and comes across a stranded polar bear. She strikes up a friendship with this polar bear as it also explores various themes such as grief, climate change and protecting our planet and animals.
I loved the messages within this book, and I think if young minds read this, it will really open their eyes to the world and inspire them to want to help the planet. I think in using this friendship between April and Bear, we can understand more the impact we are having on this planet. I truly think, in the right hands, this book will do so much for the next generation in making this world a better place.
People will really enjoy the polar setting of Bear Island as it is a really isolating and icy place, but it was nice to explore it with April - I felt cold just reading about all that ice and snow. Really nicely written and I would definitely recommend this to children, one-hundred-percent.
This book follows April who joins her father to Bear Island in the Atlantic circle. With it just being them two on the island for six months, April goes exploring and comes across a stranded polar bear. She strikes up a friendship with this polar bear as it also explores various themes such as grief, climate change and protecting our planet and animals.
I loved the messages within this book, and I think if young minds read this, it will really open their eyes to the world and inspire them to want to help the planet. I think in using this friendship between April and Bear, we can understand more the impact we are having on this planet. I truly think, in the right hands, this book will do so much for the next generation in making this world a better place.
People will really enjoy the polar setting of Bear Island as it is a really isolating and icy place, but it was nice to explore it with April - I felt cold just reading about all that ice and snow. Really nicely written and I would definitely recommend this to children, one-hundred-percent.
December 27, 2020
This book was a great read! As I read for myself, I also read for my daughter as a bedtime story starting wherever I left off. I liked April's adventures on the island, exploring the beauty of the vast open land hardly ever explored by anyone except the polar bears and Arctic foxes. Nature sounds magnificent by itself and I decided to look up some videos of Svalbard on YouTube to see how it is. I'm surprised to learn that temperatures are collected in such extreme weather and that people can still withstand so much cold. Yes, there are warm layers of clothes but still, it's cold! I also visited the website from the author's note. The houses where the scientists stayed to collect weather shocked me even more because all of the snow around it were gone! Melted. I enjoyed the father daughter relationship, though it wasn't a smooth one, but I guess many fathers are made that way. The friendship between April and Bear was great. I liked how she learned to roar.
This book followed April, 11, told in the third person point of view, as she recounted about how she met Bear 3 weeks after she arrived on Bear Island. Her dad was a scientist and her mom died when she was younger. Due to an assignment about global warming, April's father was offered a job to do his research for 6 months in the Arctic Circle, specifically, Bear Island. Her dad's job was often busy and she's left on her own. Bear Island no longer has Bear because the ice caps have melted. On April's first day on Bear Island, she thought she saw a glimpse of a polar bear and so her mission was to hunt for him every day and to eventually understand why he's here.
The Last Bear was well written and a fast paced read. An adventure story filled with nature, animals, and friendship. I will definitely pass this book over to my 9 year old son to read and I do recommend it for you and your children. There seems to be a discrepancy, page 155 indicated that April and Bear explored every nooks and cranny of the island but starting chapter 18, they finally ventured into an area of the island they have never been to before. So technically, they haven't explored everywhere yet. The final version of the book may be different since this book I'm reading is actually an early copy. This story definitely got me crying. I like the message of doing something, no matter how little to make a change. A book with an important message on climate change and plastic washing up beaches. It's never too early for children to be educated by this knowledge. I highly recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book followed April, 11, told in the third person point of view, as she recounted about how she met Bear 3 weeks after she arrived on Bear Island. Her dad was a scientist and her mom died when she was younger. Due to an assignment about global warming, April's father was offered a job to do his research for 6 months in the Arctic Circle, specifically, Bear Island. Her dad's job was often busy and she's left on her own. Bear Island no longer has Bear because the ice caps have melted. On April's first day on Bear Island, she thought she saw a glimpse of a polar bear and so her mission was to hunt for him every day and to eventually understand why he's here.
The Last Bear was well written and a fast paced read. An adventure story filled with nature, animals, and friendship. I will definitely pass this book over to my 9 year old son to read and I do recommend it for you and your children. There seems to be a discrepancy, page 155 indicated that April and Bear explored every nooks and cranny of the island but starting chapter 18, they finally ventured into an area of the island they have never been to before. So technically, they haven't explored everywhere yet. The final version of the book may be different since this book I'm reading is actually an early copy. This story definitely got me crying. I like the message of doing something, no matter how little to make a change. A book with an important message on climate change and plastic washing up beaches. It's never too early for children to be educated by this knowledge. I highly recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
December 29, 2021
I cried so many times while reading this book... It broke my heart but it was just so beautiful...
January 18, 2021
The bond between April and the bear on her island was such a sweet part of the story. She is able to help him with his hurt paw and their bond grows from there. As pictured on the cover, they spend hours and hours exploring the island with April riding on his back. Bear is stuck on the island and April is determined to help him get home to be with other bears on an island where the polar ice caps have not melted. What I found to be so odd was the fact that she is alone on the island with her father and her never seems to wonder if she will come back home. Her watch stops working and I'm sure she lost track of time frequently, yet her father is never ever worried. He doesn't even notice that large amounts of their food stores are disappearing. That is taking the absentminded professor trope too far. Their relationship arc was such a contrast to April's bond with Bear. I would have loved to see more conversations between Dad and April in the midst of all that summer wandering. Bonus takeaway: a new vocabulary word--friluftsliv = open air life.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2023
A very nice story that I've meant to read quite some time ago and finally did in a wonter with no snow. Life, sometimes, is funny.
April is living with her scientist father who only lives for his work. The only time he really talks to the girl is when he gets passionate about some research. Which is all the worse since April's mom is dead, meaning he is all she has left.
One day, April's dad lands a job on Bear Island, an Arctic research outpost on - you guessed it - an island. In Denmark. Unlike what the name suggests, there supposedly are as many bears on Bear Island as there are humans. None. Supposedly.
April accompanies her dad for the 6 months but while wandering around she pretty quickly realizes that there is at least ONE bear on Bear Island. A lonely, injured, starving bear that the girl is determined to save. Thus begins a lovely adventure with an unlikely but enchanting friendship.
Very nice fantasy story about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of preserving nature as well as all creatures in it.
And the book also comes illustrated with lovely black-and-white illustrations throughout:
Wonderful winter story that has your heart melting.
April is living with her scientist father who only lives for his work. The only time he really talks to the girl is when he gets passionate about some research. Which is all the worse since April's mom is dead, meaning he is all she has left.
One day, April's dad lands a job on Bear Island, an Arctic research outpost on - you guessed it - an island. In Denmark. Unlike what the name suggests, there supposedly are as many bears on Bear Island as there are humans. None. Supposedly.
April accompanies her dad for the 6 months but while wandering around she pretty quickly realizes that there is at least ONE bear on Bear Island. A lonely, injured, starving bear that the girl is determined to save. Thus begins a lovely adventure with an unlikely but enchanting friendship.
Very nice fantasy story about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of preserving nature as well as all creatures in it.
And the book also comes illustrated with lovely black-and-white illustrations throughout:
Wonderful winter story that has your heart melting.
April 23, 2021
Listened to the audiobook via BookBeat UK!
I loved this story so much! April and her father end up on a research trip to Bear Island, which they've been told no longer has polar bears on but that isn't the case when April ends up going outside for a quick walk and stumbles onto one of them. Lots of discussions about climate change, the environment and doing the right thing even with obstacles all around you.
I loved this story so much! April and her father end up on a research trip to Bear Island, which they've been told no longer has polar bears on but that isn't the case when April ends up going outside for a quick walk and stumbles onto one of them. Lots of discussions about climate change, the environment and doing the right thing even with obstacles all around you.
Read
December 12, 2020[Gifted]
A beautiful story of friendship between a polar bear and a lonely girl, staying in the Arctic with her scientist father. My heart went out to Bear and April, and the lost environments of the north. This is a hugely important and moving read, that shows just what toll climate change is taking on the natural world.
A beautiful story of friendship between a polar bear and a lonely girl, staying in the Arctic with her scientist father. My heart went out to Bear and April, and the lost environments of the north. This is a hugely important and moving read, that shows just what toll climate change is taking on the natural world.
August 28, 2021
I had tears rolling down my face
March 5, 2021
Bear Island is a remote Artic island and little April's new home, for the next few months. Her father has taken on a temporary role as the island's scientific researcher, measuring increased temperatures, rising sea levels, and disappearing polar ice caps. April understands the importance of her father's role and feels sick with anxiety at the thought of the destruction humans are wreaking upon the world, but that doesn't make her any less lonely right now. She longs for friendship and adventure, and the snowy setting surrounding her provides plenty of opportunity for the latter. Surprisingly, it also gives her the former as well, in the form of a very large, very white, and very furry acquaintance.
Characters like April's are exactly why I love reading Middle Grade stories so much. She was fierce and feisty, independent, and idealistic. Her attitude resulted in more than one spot of trouble she found herself in, but it also ensured she got herself out of it, as well.
Her father proved just as lovable, if less immediately likable. His growth across the novel was a lovely one to witness, and also ensured this different from the usual main character's arc witnessed in other similar stories I have read.
This remained such an important and emotional story, throughout. My heart broke along with April's at the plastic-strewn shorelines, diminishing species, and disappearing ice caps this featured. The polar bear that appeared upon one of April's adventures ensured this was not a wholly traumatic and sorrowful read, however. I can imagine it providing a whimsical yet educational reading experience for its target audience, as it appealed to this grown-up reader in a very similar way.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Hannah Gold, the illustrator, Levi Pinfold, and the publisher, Harper Collins Children’s Books, for this opportunity.
Characters like April's are exactly why I love reading Middle Grade stories so much. She was fierce and feisty, independent, and idealistic. Her attitude resulted in more than one spot of trouble she found herself in, but it also ensured she got herself out of it, as well.
Her father proved just as lovable, if less immediately likable. His growth across the novel was a lovely one to witness, and also ensured this different from the usual main character's arc witnessed in other similar stories I have read.
This remained such an important and emotional story, throughout. My heart broke along with April's at the plastic-strewn shorelines, diminishing species, and disappearing ice caps this featured. The polar bear that appeared upon one of April's adventures ensured this was not a wholly traumatic and sorrowful read, however. I can imagine it providing a whimsical yet educational reading experience for its target audience, as it appealed to this grown-up reader in a very similar way.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Hannah Gold, the illustrator, Levi Pinfold, and the publisher, Harper Collins Children’s Books, for this opportunity.
November 1, 2022
I didn’t want to give this book a low star rating because it was informative about climate change and it is something children need to be aware of.
Also because I really love Polar Bears.
But I didn’t like it.
I want to be fair, this is a children’s book and as an adult I naturally want more.
But I also didn’t like how the bear behaved more like a dog.
And how April behaved.
And how April’s father was so absent.
I don’t know why most of the children’s book have one parent and mostly absent.
Also my ten year old commented on this before so children do notice this trend in books and movies.
I guess as a parent when I read these books I always think of what ideas my kids will have and what will they think, and I’m not sure how positive this book will be.
My son will read it in school next term so I’ll find out then.
Also because I really love Polar Bears.
But I didn’t like it.
I want to be fair, this is a children’s book and as an adult I naturally want more.
But I also didn’t like how the bear behaved more like a dog.
And how April behaved.
And how April’s father was so absent.
I don’t know why most of the children’s book have one parent and mostly absent.
Also my ten year old commented on this before so children do notice this trend in books and movies.
I guess as a parent when I read these books I always think of what ideas my kids will have and what will they think, and I’m not sure how positive this book will be.
My son will read it in school next term so I’ll find out then.
January 6, 2024
Dawno nie spotkałam się z tak piękną i wzruszającą historią.
March 20, 2024
Dojemný příběh o dívce a ledním medvědovi, který by si rozhodně měli přečíst i dospělí (crying in změna klimatu).
4/5*
4/5*
February 22, 2022
I was not expecting to fall head over heals for April and Bear <3
Imagine going into an island in the middle of nowhere - Bear Island, they call it. Only there are no bears. Not anymore! Or so April is told...
A though-provoking narrative about the love for nature and the consequences of global warming. With a very hopeful message that no matter who we are, or how old we are, we should all do our part to take care of the Earth and all the living beings that call it home.
April is fearless and adventurous. You will be wanting to run in the snow and reconnect with nature. Hannah Gold really created someone you can connect and empathize with. Someone you'll be sad to see go when you turn the last page. And then there's Bear! You will love Bear and everything Bear represents. Such a tender and spectacular story, with its heart and morals in the right place.
Couldn't recommend it enough!
Imagine going into an island in the middle of nowhere - Bear Island, they call it. Only there are no bears. Not anymore! Or so April is told...
A though-provoking narrative about the love for nature and the consequences of global warming. With a very hopeful message that no matter who we are, or how old we are, we should all do our part to take care of the Earth and all the living beings that call it home.
April is fearless and adventurous. You will be wanting to run in the snow and reconnect with nature. Hannah Gold really created someone you can connect and empathize with. Someone you'll be sad to see go when you turn the last page. And then there's Bear! You will love Bear and everything Bear represents. Such a tender and spectacular story, with its heart and morals in the right place.
Couldn't recommend it enough!
May 2, 2024
زي حلم جميل.
April 30, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Toplo i emotivno.
Toplo i emotivno.
Currently reading
September 30, 2020***STORY TEASER***
April knew if she looked up, her life would never be the same again. That this moment itself was going to alter her in some way. Maybe even forever.
She slowly raised her eyes.
And there, standing on the other side of the beach, about fifty metres away, was the most magnificent creature she had ever seen.
He stood on his two hind legs, rearing up like a brilliant white stallion into the sky. With his chin jutted forward confidently, he didn’t look in pain. In fact, he stood in a way that indicated he knew just how magnificent he was.
The combination of powerful muscle and raw brute strength took April’s breath clean away and she clapped her hands over her mouth to stop herself gasping out loud.
‘You’re the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen,’ she whispered…
April knew if she looked up, her life would never be the same again. That this moment itself was going to alter her in some way. Maybe even forever.
She slowly raised her eyes.
And there, standing on the other side of the beach, about fifty metres away, was the most magnificent creature she had ever seen.
He stood on his two hind legs, rearing up like a brilliant white stallion into the sky. With his chin jutted forward confidently, he didn’t look in pain. In fact, he stood in a way that indicated he knew just how magnificent he was.
The combination of powerful muscle and raw brute strength took April’s breath clean away and she clapped her hands over her mouth to stop herself gasping out loud.
‘You’re the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen,’ she whispered…
January 4, 2024
Jak asi může vzniknout přátelství mezi dívkou a ledním medvědem? Je plné hromoucího řevu, ňufání čumáčkem, hebké srsti i jízdy na chlupatých zádech křížem krážem po norském ostrově, kde je brutálně krásná příroda, polární den a... medvědi tam kvůli tání ledu už několik let nejsou. Až na tohohle jednoho.
Moc pěkný příběh pro děti (kolem 10 let), s nímž jsem začala jedno pomalé ráno, které se přetavilo až do pozdního dopoledne, kdy jsem otočila poslední stránku. Bavilo. Doporučuji.
Moc pěkný příběh pro děti (kolem 10 let), s nímž jsem začala jedno pomalé ráno, které se přetavilo až do pozdního dopoledne, kdy jsem otočila poslední stránku. Bavilo. Doporučuji.
January 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this book.
It's full of adventure, lessons on family relationships and how and what we can do to look after the planet and the animals.
It tugged at my heart reading how lonely April was. Her rather was grieving the loss of his wife but really distanced himself from April.
Beautiful ending and even though it was hard to let bear go, she knew it was the right thing to do because it was where he belonged.
It's full of adventure, lessons on family relationships and how and what we can do to look after the planet and the animals.
It tugged at my heart reading how lonely April was. Her rather was grieving the loss of his wife but really distanced himself from April.
Beautiful ending and even though it was hard to let bear go, she knew it was the right thing to do because it was where he belonged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
3,5/5 ⭐️ Ha sido una lectura muy ágil, tierna, con un mensaje muy importante para trasladar a todos los públicos, pero con más motivo al joven.
April me ha inspirado mucha ternura y su aventura con Oso sabe conquistar y hace sentir un hilo de esperanza entre tanto mal pronóstico para nuestro planeta.
April me ha inspirado mucha ternura y su aventura con Oso sabe conquistar y hace sentir un hilo de esperanza entre tanto mal pronóstico para nuestro planeta.
July 2, 2022
The Last Bear was such a fun and important book. After meeting April, I just had a feeling that I was going to really enjoy her adventure. Especially since she's at Bear Island with her father.
It's a little weird that she went on her own after being told that polar bears no longer resided there though. Then when she came across one on this walk of hers, I'll admit that I was a little scared. Never seen a polar bear in my entire life (unless you count movies) but one would think being scared of walking into a wild animal is a normal response. Right?
Other than that, I liked how this discussed about climate change and made the obstacles fall into that as well. It was definitely entertaining from start to finish. Secretly hoping April gets to continue working with polar bears in her future. If not, then I don't know what to secretly hope for.
It's a little weird that she went on her own after being told that polar bears no longer resided there though. Then when she came across one on this walk of hers, I'll admit that I was a little scared. Never seen a polar bear in my entire life (unless you count movies) but one would think being scared of walking into a wild animal is a normal response. Right?
Other than that, I liked how this discussed about climate change and made the obstacles fall into that as well. It was definitely entertaining from start to finish. Secretly hoping April gets to continue working with polar bears in her future. If not, then I don't know what to secretly hope for.
March 28, 2023
The representation of women and girls is poor. Starts off by pointing out the absence of a mother equals a dusty house, implying that mothers are cleaners, then the main character of April is portrayed as the classic, "not your average girl".
Such a shame because Gold's writing is beautiful and I enjoyed the descriptions of nature. April needed a bit more depth to her, to be more of a Lyra or a Hermione.
If you want a similar book with a stronger character, I recommend Dreaming the Bear by Mimi Thebo (secondary age) or The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell (Middle grade).
PS I didn't like the mention of "the locals" when referring to the Midnight Sun ceremony. Please specify if you mean Norwegians, don't take something sacred to a particular culture and not credit them.
Such a shame because Gold's writing is beautiful and I enjoyed the descriptions of nature. April needed a bit more depth to her, to be more of a Lyra or a Hermione.
If you want a similar book with a stronger character, I recommend Dreaming the Bear by Mimi Thebo (secondary age) or The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell (Middle grade).
PS I didn't like the mention of "the locals" when referring to the Midnight Sun ceremony. Please specify if you mean Norwegians, don't take something sacred to a particular culture and not credit them.
February 19, 2023
"Love, she decided, was like magic.”
March 23, 2024
I’m calling this hopeful climate fiction. Lovely writing. Infuriating absent-minded father. Beautiful friendship between a girl and a polar bear. Would make a great read-aloud. ❤️
March 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and the poignant message that came with it.
My final rating was 4.5 stars in the end.
I absolutely loved April the main protagonist that we follow and i am just so so glad that when she meets Bear and continues to meet him and build his trust that the relationship was kept real and didn’t go down a fantastical route which it could have.
I think it would have ruined it Bear suddenly started talking. Overcoming the barrier of being totally different species is a beautifully written process and seeing the trust and their relationship grow really is beautiful.
Hannah Gold wrote very well how the actions of others can have detrimental effects on those who least expect it. It is shocking how the world is changing and that what were beautiful landscapes are now floating islands of rubbish. It is shameful to be human at times especially when these consequences are pointed out in such a way.
The illustrations for this book are absolutely mind blowing and they are an absolute pleasure to feast your eyes upon. They are so life like and bring Hannah’s writing to life.
I highly recommend this book and the life lesson it has to teach.
The only reason that the book didn’t make the full five stars is because the ending wrapped up far too quickly and i think the book would definitely have benefited from having an additional 50 ish pages just so when what happens at the end does it is not just the end and totally cut off but you see some of what happened afterwards as just being cut off like that was a bit deflating after reading the rest of the book. I loved it though and definitely recommend
My final rating was 4.5 stars in the end.
I absolutely loved April the main protagonist that we follow and i am just so so glad that when she meets Bear and continues to meet him and build his trust that the relationship was kept real and didn’t go down a fantastical route which it could have.
I think it would have ruined it Bear suddenly started talking. Overcoming the barrier of being totally different species is a beautifully written process and seeing the trust and their relationship grow really is beautiful.
Hannah Gold wrote very well how the actions of others can have detrimental effects on those who least expect it. It is shocking how the world is changing and that what were beautiful landscapes are now floating islands of rubbish. It is shameful to be human at times especially when these consequences are pointed out in such a way.
The illustrations for this book are absolutely mind blowing and they are an absolute pleasure to feast your eyes upon. They are so life like and bring Hannah’s writing to life.
I highly recommend this book and the life lesson it has to teach.
The only reason that the book didn’t make the full five stars is because the ending wrapped up far too quickly and i think the book would definitely have benefited from having an additional 50 ish pages just so when what happens at the end does it is not just the end and totally cut off but you see some of what happened afterwards as just being cut off like that was a bit deflating after reading the rest of the book. I loved it though and definitely recommend
December 26, 2022
If I could give it 0 stars, I would
This book is disguised as a wholesome story about a girl befriending a polar bear, but author Hannah Gold fills every inch of empty space with HER concerns about the planet and various other issues.
I discovered this book through K. B. Hoyle’s publishing house, Owl’s Nest Publishers, and read it out of loyalty to her and her new company. Owl’s Nest presents themselves as a place for young readers to go to to find good stories and relatable characters. April in The Last Bear is not a 8-10 year old girl. She is an adult with the political views and opinions of an adult. Yes, young girls should be playing outside and wanting to help animals, but not thinking about trees being cut down in the Amazon or making wishes that the planet would be saved. April is a character who is a tool to force feed kids with ideas about climate change, and she carries a lack of innocence that real children don’t have. I don’t have a problem with the author holding these views but presenting them to children in a character that kids will want to look up to and be like is extremely manipulative. Children’s literature is a pathway for KIDS to use their imaginations and read stories that help them relate to the world around them, not for ADULTS to satisfy their need to talk about their frustrations at the expense of kids who will conform to any idea thrown at them.
April’s father is also a horrible role model and we have enough ‘absent father’s because of trauma.’ Stories like this one teach kids that adults aren’t trustworthy and should not be depended on. April told the bear, ‘that she was not a grown up,’ therefor she would not hurt him, which is a terrible representation of adults today. It is almost an instinct for any adult without children who deals with children to make villains of adults. This mindset is SO DANGEROUS. Kids NEED parents because they need someone who can teach them and love without trying to indoctrinate them, which is all that is happening to kids in 2022. Also, the comments about alcohol in the book are so unnecessary, and not appropriate for children’s lit. Kids shouldn’t have to think about drunk drivers, and the worry about what might happen on the road if there were drunk drivers. This is a real issue, but children’s books aren’t the way to correct these issues, and all other issues like this.
It is shocking to me that this book is being introduced to young readers as a wholesome story when it is really just indoctrinating them and forcing feeding them beliefs, and fears, and issues that they don’t need to internalize at a young age.
This book is disguised as a wholesome story about a girl befriending a polar bear, but author Hannah Gold fills every inch of empty space with HER concerns about the planet and various other issues.
I discovered this book through K. B. Hoyle’s publishing house, Owl’s Nest Publishers, and read it out of loyalty to her and her new company. Owl’s Nest presents themselves as a place for young readers to go to to find good stories and relatable characters. April in The Last Bear is not a 8-10 year old girl. She is an adult with the political views and opinions of an adult. Yes, young girls should be playing outside and wanting to help animals, but not thinking about trees being cut down in the Amazon or making wishes that the planet would be saved. April is a character who is a tool to force feed kids with ideas about climate change, and she carries a lack of innocence that real children don’t have. I don’t have a problem with the author holding these views but presenting them to children in a character that kids will want to look up to and be like is extremely manipulative. Children’s literature is a pathway for KIDS to use their imaginations and read stories that help them relate to the world around them, not for ADULTS to satisfy their need to talk about their frustrations at the expense of kids who will conform to any idea thrown at them.
April’s father is also a horrible role model and we have enough ‘absent father’s because of trauma.’ Stories like this one teach kids that adults aren’t trustworthy and should not be depended on. April told the bear, ‘that she was not a grown up,’ therefor she would not hurt him, which is a terrible representation of adults today. It is almost an instinct for any adult without children who deals with children to make villains of adults. This mindset is SO DANGEROUS. Kids NEED parents because they need someone who can teach them and love without trying to indoctrinate them, which is all that is happening to kids in 2022. Also, the comments about alcohol in the book are so unnecessary, and not appropriate for children’s lit. Kids shouldn’t have to think about drunk drivers, and the worry about what might happen on the road if there were drunk drivers. This is a real issue, but children’s books aren’t the way to correct these issues, and all other issues like this.
It is shocking to me that this book is being introduced to young readers as a wholesome story when it is really just indoctrinating them and forcing feeding them beliefs, and fears, and issues that they don’t need to internalize at a young age.
September 21, 2021
A gentle yet potent debut that champions conservation whilst touching upon loss and healing at the same time.
Since April's mother died, her father has grown ever-distant - throwing himself into his work. So when an opportunity arises for them both to work on the remote Bear Island within the Arctic Circle, April and Dad, both recognise great potential in the trip even if their goals are different. Whilst April hopes that the solitude might bring them closer together, her father sees this as an even greater opportunity to become lost in research. With no one to really talk to or be with, April tours the island only to find it has another resident - a lost, neglected polar bear.
For me, there were strong connections to Anthony Browne's Gorilla. A girl, ignored, largely by her father, finds love and solace in a male replacement in the form of an animal. The difference being here that the animal needs saving and taking to a new place. The bear as a foil for her own father would make for an interesting comparison too.
Hannah's writing is full of poetry and emotion. Whilst Bear is wild, April is caught between sensibility and the special gift she has with being attuned to nature; it is this that allows her to communicate with Bear throughout. This connection between reality and the magical wildness of the landscape and Bear was something I enjoyed and there were times when I wondered, like April's father, whether Bear was real or not. All of which is heightened by Levi Pinfold's outstanding illustrations throughout.
The Last Bear is juggling two big things; the loss of a loved one and the loss of our planet. Both are deeply connected anyway and readers might enjoy reflecting on both and making the connections that the author presents us with. There's plenty to unpick here should you want to but also, it's a gentle story with much to take in and ponder should you wish to.
Since April's mother died, her father has grown ever-distant - throwing himself into his work. So when an opportunity arises for them both to work on the remote Bear Island within the Arctic Circle, April and Dad, both recognise great potential in the trip even if their goals are different. Whilst April hopes that the solitude might bring them closer together, her father sees this as an even greater opportunity to become lost in research. With no one to really talk to or be with, April tours the island only to find it has another resident - a lost, neglected polar bear.
For me, there were strong connections to Anthony Browne's Gorilla. A girl, ignored, largely by her father, finds love and solace in a male replacement in the form of an animal. The difference being here that the animal needs saving and taking to a new place. The bear as a foil for her own father would make for an interesting comparison too.
Hannah's writing is full of poetry and emotion. Whilst Bear is wild, April is caught between sensibility and the special gift she has with being attuned to nature; it is this that allows her to communicate with Bear throughout. This connection between reality and the magical wildness of the landscape and Bear was something I enjoyed and there were times when I wondered, like April's father, whether Bear was real or not. All of which is heightened by Levi Pinfold's outstanding illustrations throughout.
The Last Bear is juggling two big things; the loss of a loved one and the loss of our planet. Both are deeply connected anyway and readers might enjoy reflecting on both and making the connections that the author presents us with. There's plenty to unpick here should you want to but also, it's a gentle story with much to take in and ponder should you wish to.
October 27, 2021
Wow, I can't say enough how amazing this book was...a story that touched me in unexpected ways. Most books on climate change dwell too much on facts or sound dystopian alarm bells, but this book wove the climate aspect into the story of a friendship between a girl and polar bear, which instead of being unrealistic, had that magical feel you have as a child, when you believe anything is possible. And I think that is one of April's best qualities in this story, because she believes in the wonder of animals and approaches reversing climate damage not with skepticism, but hope. Such a beautiful read and a gem of a book :') Highly recommend for anyone wanting to feel inspired to make a positive difference on the planet.
December 18, 2021
I really wanted to enjoy this a lot more than I did.
The Last Bear isn't awful but it's not very good. The father in the story is horrendously neglectful, not in a funny or endearing way but in a 'he should have had his child removed from his care years ago' neglect. It's never really resolved, he's just going to continue on being an awful dad.
I think the book wanted to say something about action on Climate Change rather than just observation (a good point to talk about) but follows through very poorly and puts the blame on the one person in the story who's attempting to do something (it's the only thing he does).
The cute relationship with Bear doesn't hold the message together and I know I'd have hated this book as a kid.
The Last Bear isn't awful but it's not very good. The father in the story is horrendously neglectful, not in a funny or endearing way but in a 'he should have had his child removed from his care years ago' neglect. It's never really resolved, he's just going to continue on being an awful dad.
I think the book wanted to say something about action on Climate Change rather than just observation (a good point to talk about) but follows through very poorly and puts the blame on the one person in the story who's attempting to do something (it's the only thing he does).
The cute relationship with Bear doesn't hold the message together and I know I'd have hated this book as a kid.
June 21, 2024
Für Leser*innen ab 10 Jahren, die sich für die Natur und Naturschutz interessieren.
Hauptfigur ist April, die mit ihrem verwitweten Vater für geplante sechs Monate auf die "Bäreninsel" zieht, im Nordpolarkreis, nahe Spitzbergen. Der Vater ist Wissenschaftler und hat kaum Zeit für seine Tochter (er trauert auch sieben Jahre später noch um seine verstorbene Frau, eine Art Super-Mom, die mit Tieren reden konnte und "aus Regenbögen gemacht war"). Hier direkt meine erste Kritik: Der Vater ist furchtbar! Er ist aggressiv, schreit April an und er interessiert sich nicht wirklich für sie, sie ist total einsam - aber das wird nicht wirklich problematisiert und auf mich wirkte es so, als würde das Kindern (Mädchen) vermitteln, dass das "normal" ist, Vati ist ja nur so traurig, der meint es nicht so. April träumt von einer "neuen Mutter", die da ist, wenn sie aus der Schule kommt und die Vati wieder glücklich macht. Ufffffff. Richtig schlimme Rollenbilder. Und generell ist mir weibliches Kümmern in diesem Roman viel zu überbetont.
Auf der Bäreninsel streift April meist allein umher, bis sie eines Tages einen Eisbär trifft, mit dem sie sich letztendlich anfreundet. Es ist schon sehr kitschig, aber für die Zielgruppe okay.
Was ich gut fand: "Der letzte Bär" vermittelt kindgerecht Wissen über den Klimawandel und den katastrophalen Rückgang der arktischen Eisschicht. Es ist ein okayes Ferienbuch, aber wegen der problematische Vaterfigur will ich es eigentlich nicht so richtig empfehlen.
Hauptfigur ist April, die mit ihrem verwitweten Vater für geplante sechs Monate auf die "Bäreninsel" zieht, im Nordpolarkreis, nahe Spitzbergen. Der Vater ist Wissenschaftler und hat kaum Zeit für seine Tochter (er trauert auch sieben Jahre später noch um seine verstorbene Frau, eine Art Super-Mom, die mit Tieren reden konnte und "aus Regenbögen gemacht war"). Hier direkt meine erste Kritik: Der Vater ist furchtbar! Er ist aggressiv, schreit April an und er interessiert sich nicht wirklich für sie, sie ist total einsam - aber das wird nicht wirklich problematisiert und auf mich wirkte es so, als würde das Kindern (Mädchen) vermitteln, dass das "normal" ist, Vati ist ja nur so traurig, der meint es nicht so. April träumt von einer "neuen Mutter", die da ist, wenn sie aus der Schule kommt und die Vati wieder glücklich macht. Ufffffff. Richtig schlimme Rollenbilder. Und generell ist mir weibliches Kümmern in diesem Roman viel zu überbetont.
Auf der Bäreninsel streift April meist allein umher, bis sie eines Tages einen Eisbär trifft, mit dem sie sich letztendlich anfreundet. Es ist schon sehr kitschig, aber für die Zielgruppe okay.
Was ich gut fand: "Der letzte Bär" vermittelt kindgerecht Wissen über den Klimawandel und den katastrophalen Rückgang der arktischen Eisschicht. Es ist ein okayes Ferienbuch, aber wegen der problematische Vaterfigur will ich es eigentlich nicht so richtig empfehlen.
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