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The Lone Husky
Join April Wood on a thrilling Arctic adventure set in the world of the internationally bestselling THE LAST BEAR and FINDING BEAR. Perfect for 8+ readers.
Can she win his trust … and win the race?
April Wood is no stranger to adventure. After all, she lives in the Arctic and her best friend is a polar bear. But when April finds herself volunteering for the Polar Race – a long-distance dog sled race across the frozen tundra – even she wonders if this may be an adventure too far.
April will need all the help she can get if she’s to make it to the finish line. And competition is fierce – with experienced dog sledders, including new boy Finn, who will go to any lengths to win.
But April has something the other teams don’t: Blaze, a solitary husky with a troubled past, who may just prove to be her secret weapon…
With illustrations by the award-winning Levi Pinfold, The Lone Husky is a breathtaking adventure that will take readers on an unforgettable journey through the Arctic and reunite them with some beloved characters.
Can she win his trust … and win the race?
April Wood is no stranger to adventure. After all, she lives in the Arctic and her best friend is a polar bear. But when April finds herself volunteering for the Polar Race – a long-distance dog sled race across the frozen tundra – even she wonders if this may be an adventure too far.
April will need all the help she can get if she’s to make it to the finish line. And competition is fierce – with experienced dog sledders, including new boy Finn, who will go to any lengths to win.
But April has something the other teams don’t: Blaze, a solitary husky with a troubled past, who may just prove to be her secret weapon…
With illustrations by the award-winning Levi Pinfold, The Lone Husky is a breathtaking adventure that will take readers on an unforgettable journey through the Arctic and reunite them with some beloved characters.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2025
33 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gold
7 books364 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 25, 2025
I've decided Hannah Gold writes the best children's novels. I'm obsessed.
October 27, 2025
A new adventure with April and bear is alwaaaaaaays welcome in my heart. April will always have a special place in my heart with bear 🐻❄️🫶🏼🥺
So happy to see how settled April is with her father and Maria on Svalbard, this made me so happy! Her artic family is 🥺💛
I truuuuuuuuuuly hope that in the future there will be books with Blaze and August 💛🐺🤞🏼 (pretttty please Hannah Gold🤞🏼🫶🏼🙏🏼💛)
So happy to see how settled April is with her father and Maria on Svalbard, this made me so happy! Her artic family is 🥺💛
I truuuuuuuuuuly hope that in the future there will be books with Blaze and August 💛🐺🤞🏼 (pretttty please Hannah Gold🤞🏼🫶🏼🙏🏼💛)
November 6, 2025
I am 8 and this book is amazing, fantastic, really really good. The Lone Husky is like a nice breakfast in bed with a hot chocolate (what I mean is that this book is cozy and gripping) five stars.
December 30, 2025
"The Lone Husky" by Hannah Gold
🤍This was another glorious book about a strong friendship between humans and animals, and the solid bond they share—one that is impossible to break.
🐺The Plot: We continue to follow April Wood, a smart and curious girl whose best friend is a polar bear. April lives in the Arctic with her family, and the polar bear is still her closest companion. However, April decides to volunteer for the Polar Race and meet new friends. At this point, the girl embarks on new adventures with her companions, and the events unfold from there.
✨The Writing Style: I can’t stop admiring Hannah Gold’s writing style. The simple, enjoyable way she writes about profound, wise, and challenging moments is genuinely delightful. The book is very cleverly written; it’s full of illuminating facts, meaningful morals, and valuable lessons. It’s twisty, adventurous, wise, and touching. The intense emotional connection between April and her four-legged friends is portrayed brilliantly.
✨The Characters: It was such a pleasure to return to the familiar characters. It felt as if you were coming back to a place you hadn’t visited in a long time, yet it still remained dear to your heart—along with all its residents. They have changed, gone through transformations, and grown older, but they are still the glorious people you are happy to reunite with. All the characters, both old and new, are memorable, vividly portrayed, and feel more like real people than fictional ones.
🤍The Fave Quote: “Even loners can find companions."
🤍Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!
⭐️My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🤍P.S. I gave The Lone Husky my highest humble rating because I felt as if this story were written especially for me—solid, meaningful, wise, and glorious. If you are an animal lover and believe in strong bonds between humans and animals, this book is for you.
🐺I do hope you’ll enjoy reading “The Lone Husky” as much as I did!
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this review.
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
🤍This was another glorious book about a strong friendship between humans and animals, and the solid bond they share—one that is impossible to break.
🐺The Plot: We continue to follow April Wood, a smart and curious girl whose best friend is a polar bear. April lives in the Arctic with her family, and the polar bear is still her closest companion. However, April decides to volunteer for the Polar Race and meet new friends. At this point, the girl embarks on new adventures with her companions, and the events unfold from there.
✨The Writing Style: I can’t stop admiring Hannah Gold’s writing style. The simple, enjoyable way she writes about profound, wise, and challenging moments is genuinely delightful. The book is very cleverly written; it’s full of illuminating facts, meaningful morals, and valuable lessons. It’s twisty, adventurous, wise, and touching. The intense emotional connection between April and her four-legged friends is portrayed brilliantly.
✨The Characters: It was such a pleasure to return to the familiar characters. It felt as if you were coming back to a place you hadn’t visited in a long time, yet it still remained dear to your heart—along with all its residents. They have changed, gone through transformations, and grown older, but they are still the glorious people you are happy to reunite with. All the characters, both old and new, are memorable, vividly portrayed, and feel more like real people than fictional ones.
🤍The Fave Quote: “Even loners can find companions."
🤍Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!
⭐️My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🤍P.S. I gave The Lone Husky my highest humble rating because I felt as if this story were written especially for me—solid, meaningful, wise, and glorious. If you are an animal lover and believe in strong bonds between humans and animals, this book is for you.
🐺I do hope you’ll enjoy reading “The Lone Husky” as much as I did!
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this review.
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
November 3, 2025
Another fabulous middle grade from Hannah Gold, teaching kids about climate and the environment.
This one follows April as she rehabilitates a husky to get him race ready.
I loved being back with April in Svalbard and the little cameo from bear and peanut. I enjoyed the storyline with the huskies and I now want to go meet some for myself.
I feel that these books just get better and better as the series continues and I cant wait to see what animal the author does next.
This one follows April as she rehabilitates a husky to get him race ready.
I loved being back with April in Svalbard and the little cameo from bear and peanut. I enjoyed the storyline with the huskies and I now want to go meet some for myself.
I feel that these books just get better and better as the series continues and I cant wait to see what animal the author does next.
December 25, 2025
"The Lone Husky" takes us back to the Arctic, where adventure, courage, and quiet emotions come together in the most beautiful way. Author once again creates a world that feels cold on the outside but deeply warm at heart.
April Wood’s journey in the Polar Race is not just about speed or winning. It’s about trust, patience, and believing in those who have been hurt before. Blaze, the lone husky, is written with such sensitivity that you can feel his fear, strength, and slow healing with every page.
What makes this story special is its gentleness. The race brings tension, the Arctic brings danger, but at the centre of it all is kindness towards animals, towards nature, and towards oneself. The bond between April and Blaze grows quietly, making their journey deeply emotional and meaningful.
Levi Pinfold’s illustrations add another layer of magic. They don’t overpower the story; they hold it gently, making the Arctic feel vast, lonely, and breathtaking.
This book is perfect for young readers, but it also speaks to anyone who believes in second chances and the power of trust. A comforting, adventurous read that stays with you long after the last page.
April Wood’s journey in the Polar Race is not just about speed or winning. It’s about trust, patience, and believing in those who have been hurt before. Blaze, the lone husky, is written with such sensitivity that you can feel his fear, strength, and slow healing with every page.
What makes this story special is its gentleness. The race brings tension, the Arctic brings danger, but at the centre of it all is kindness towards animals, towards nature, and towards oneself. The bond between April and Blaze grows quietly, making their journey deeply emotional and meaningful.
Levi Pinfold’s illustrations add another layer of magic. They don’t overpower the story; they hold it gently, making the Arctic feel vast, lonely, and breathtaking.
This book is perfect for young readers, but it also speaks to anyone who believes in second chances and the power of trust. A comforting, adventurous read that stays with you long after the last page.
December 25, 2025
It was a delight to step back into April’s world and the Arctic landscape in Svalbard. Although it would be helpful to have read The Last Bear and Finding Bear, this sits well as a stand alone novel. Filled with warmth, compassion and strong messages about the environment and the bond between humans and animals, Hannah Gold’s books are exceptional.
December 16, 2025
Yet another amazing book from Hannah Gold. Found this one quite emotional, returning to April’s Svalbard was so beautiful. I cannot recommend this highly enough
November 15, 2025
One of the best books I've ever read, really enjoyed the race and seeing blaze develope into new lead dog was amazing. liked how it was a follow up story so we could understand more of what was going on in he book
October 31, 2025
The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold
It was wonderful to be back with April and Bear again in the cold yet beautiful Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Surrounded by her family and her friends, April has never been happier, and she sees Bear a couple of times every month. She loves helping her best friend Hedda look after her huskies at her yard and has fallen in love with the new addition to the pack, Blaze.
The Polar Race, a famous long-distance sledge race, is happening in four months, and Hedda is training her dogs hard to be ready to compete and beat her arch-rival, Ace Hudson. However, when Hedda injures her leg and can no longer compete, April volunteers. As her training intensifies, April wonders if this adventure is more than she can handle.
What follows is a journey of tense navigation competing in severe weather conditions against some of the most experienced and fierce competitors. The most dangerous being Finn, Ace’s nephew, who wants to win at whatever the cost.
This book is the usual genius and more from Gold. We are reunited with our beloved Bear and meet the new member of April’s clan, Blaze. He is a wonderfully affectionate yet cautious and watchful Husky, and just like Bear, he becomes one of April’s special friends.
This wouldn’t be a Hannah Gold novel without the vivid descriptions of the vast, cold and barren landscape where you close your eyes and feel the snow and ice seep into your bones. This is made even more intense and vibrant with the exceptional illustrations from the insanely talented Levi Pinfold.
My favourite part of this book, and believe me, there were many, was a quiet and intimate moment between two of the characters that saw me holding my breath. It was such an affectionate and special moment that made the hairs on my neck stand up and melted my heart all at the same time.
Overall, this precious book is packed with love, family and nature. It demonstrates how delicate our world is, and we must do everything we can to protect it. This is one that both children and adults will love and thoroughly enjoy.
It was wonderful to be back with April and Bear again in the cold yet beautiful Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Surrounded by her family and her friends, April has never been happier, and she sees Bear a couple of times every month. She loves helping her best friend Hedda look after her huskies at her yard and has fallen in love with the new addition to the pack, Blaze.
The Polar Race, a famous long-distance sledge race, is happening in four months, and Hedda is training her dogs hard to be ready to compete and beat her arch-rival, Ace Hudson. However, when Hedda injures her leg and can no longer compete, April volunteers. As her training intensifies, April wonders if this adventure is more than she can handle.
What follows is a journey of tense navigation competing in severe weather conditions against some of the most experienced and fierce competitors. The most dangerous being Finn, Ace’s nephew, who wants to win at whatever the cost.
This book is the usual genius and more from Gold. We are reunited with our beloved Bear and meet the new member of April’s clan, Blaze. He is a wonderfully affectionate yet cautious and watchful Husky, and just like Bear, he becomes one of April’s special friends.
This wouldn’t be a Hannah Gold novel without the vivid descriptions of the vast, cold and barren landscape where you close your eyes and feel the snow and ice seep into your bones. This is made even more intense and vibrant with the exceptional illustrations from the insanely talented Levi Pinfold.
My favourite part of this book, and believe me, there were many, was a quiet and intimate moment between two of the characters that saw me holding my breath. It was such an affectionate and special moment that made the hairs on my neck stand up and melted my heart all at the same time.
Overall, this precious book is packed with love, family and nature. It demonstrates how delicate our world is, and we must do everything we can to protect it. This is one that both children and adults will love and thoroughly enjoy.
December 18, 2025
April Wood is a girl who knows the Arctic like her own backyard. She lives there, after all, and her best friend is a polar bear. But in "The Lone Husky", she faces her biggest challenge yet: entering a tough, long-distance dogsled race across the frozen wilderness.
This story pulls you right into the adventure. April isn't a typical racer she’s brave, determined, and has a big heart. Her greatest hope rests on Blaze, a lone husky with a difficult past. Their growing trust becomes the soul of the story, showing that friendship and understanding can be just as important as speed and strength.
The race is full of excitement, fierce competitors, and beautiful yet dangerous Arctic landscapes. You’ll meet familiar faces from earlier books and new characters, like Finn, whose drive to win adds real tension. Through it all, April learns that winning isn't just about crossing the finish line first it’s about loyalty, courage, and never giving up on those who need you.
Levi Pinfold’s illustrations bring the icy world and its characters to life with stunning detail, making you feel the cold air and the dogs’ energy.
Perfect for readers 8 and up, "The Lone Husky" is more than a race it’s a touching and thrilling story about trust, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds we form along the way. It’s an adventure you’ll want to start again as soon as you reach the end.
This story pulls you right into the adventure. April isn't a typical racer she’s brave, determined, and has a big heart. Her greatest hope rests on Blaze, a lone husky with a difficult past. Their growing trust becomes the soul of the story, showing that friendship and understanding can be just as important as speed and strength.
The race is full of excitement, fierce competitors, and beautiful yet dangerous Arctic landscapes. You’ll meet familiar faces from earlier books and new characters, like Finn, whose drive to win adds real tension. Through it all, April learns that winning isn't just about crossing the finish line first it’s about loyalty, courage, and never giving up on those who need you.
Levi Pinfold’s illustrations bring the icy world and its characters to life with stunning detail, making you feel the cold air and the dogs’ energy.
Perfect for readers 8 and up, "The Lone Husky" is more than a race it’s a touching and thrilling story about trust, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds we form along the way. It’s an adventure you’ll want to start again as soon as you reach the end.
October 29, 2025
The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold is the wonderful new instalment of April Wood’s adventures in Svalbard. Readers will remember April from Hannah’s phenomenal earlier books, The Last Bear and Finding Bear.
In this novel, April once again has to draw on her reserves of courage and bravery for an experience that will push her to her limits in an epic Arctic dog sled race. Some of my favourite quotes include:
• “April saw the husky’s eyes were not just blue. They were lost. The same lost she had been once upon a time, before she’d found Bear, before she’d found her purpose in life. Before she’d found love.”
• “’Hedda has a name for what me and you have,’ April murmured. ‘She says we have a forever bond. Do you know what that is? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime connection between a human and an animal. Most people never experience it. Hedda has one with her lead dog, Ripley. But she says our bond is extra special because you’re a polar bear.”
• “One Team, One Dream.”
• “We might struggle to change the world by ourselves but we can do it by sticking to our values and by working together.
My full review can be read here: https://www.ryanmizzen.com/the-lone-h...
In this novel, April once again has to draw on her reserves of courage and bravery for an experience that will push her to her limits in an epic Arctic dog sled race. Some of my favourite quotes include:
• “April saw the husky’s eyes were not just blue. They were lost. The same lost she had been once upon a time, before she’d found Bear, before she’d found her purpose in life. Before she’d found love.”
• “’Hedda has a name for what me and you have,’ April murmured. ‘She says we have a forever bond. Do you know what that is? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime connection between a human and an animal. Most people never experience it. Hedda has one with her lead dog, Ripley. But she says our bond is extra special because you’re a polar bear.”
• “One Team, One Dream.”
• “We might struggle to change the world by ourselves but we can do it by sticking to our values and by working together.
My full review can be read here: https://www.ryanmizzen.com/the-lone-h...
November 29, 2025
The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold and illustrated by Levi Pinfold
This is a gorgeous middle grade novel filled with heart and adventure. This is my first Hannah Gold novel and I loved it. I will definitely be reading the rest!
April lives in the Arctic with her father and her best friend Bear. There are two previous books about April & Bear, which I really want to read now, but this book worked on its own too. In this book April finds herself volunteering for the Polar Race, which is a perilous and fiercely competitive sled dog race.
April is a wonderful main character full of kindness and determination and I loved her so much! Blaze the Husky was wonderful too!
I highly recommend this for middle grade readers and anyone who enjoys a middle grade read full of heart.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Harper Collins for the gifted review copy.
This is a gorgeous middle grade novel filled with heart and adventure. This is my first Hannah Gold novel and I loved it. I will definitely be reading the rest!
April lives in the Arctic with her father and her best friend Bear. There are two previous books about April & Bear, which I really want to read now, but this book worked on its own too. In this book April finds herself volunteering for the Polar Race, which is a perilous and fiercely competitive sled dog race.
April is a wonderful main character full of kindness and determination and I loved her so much! Blaze the Husky was wonderful too!
I highly recommend this for middle grade readers and anyone who enjoys a middle grade read full of heart.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Harper Collins for the gifted review copy.
December 18, 2025
❄️ The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold ❄️
Having recently read Finding Bear and having my awesome Teacher’s Book Club box arrive with The Lone Husky inside, I dove straight in to continue and conclude (???) the adventures of April Wood.
April’s fearlessness and determination were ramped up even more in this beautiful book. She meets a Siberian husky called Blaze, who is in need of some TLC. They really heal one another in this beautiful story and the ending actually made me cry. When Bear and Blaze met, my heart was so happy. I wish I could Levi Pinfold’s illustration of this on my wall - such a beautiful moment captured.
I thought this was the final story for Bear and April, but it’s pretty open for another book, so who knows?! I know that my class will devour this book and it will come back battered and well -loved, just like Finn by the end of the book.
Having recently read Finding Bear and having my awesome Teacher’s Book Club box arrive with The Lone Husky inside, I dove straight in to continue and conclude (???) the adventures of April Wood.
April’s fearlessness and determination were ramped up even more in this beautiful book. She meets a Siberian husky called Blaze, who is in need of some TLC. They really heal one another in this beautiful story and the ending actually made me cry. When Bear and Blaze met, my heart was so happy. I wish I could Levi Pinfold’s illustration of this on my wall - such a beautiful moment captured.
I thought this was the final story for Bear and April, but it’s pretty open for another book, so who knows?! I know that my class will devour this book and it will come back battered and well -loved, just like Finn by the end of the book.
November 21, 2025
A really touching next installment in the April and Bear series. Bear isn't as much the central focus here, but that was okay to me as April is still a very solid protagonist and her journey of becoming a musher was fun to see.
If I do have one criticism, it's that I think that the friendship between Blaze and April maybe goes just a tad too simply and smoothly.
If I do have one criticism, it's that I think that the friendship between Blaze and April maybe goes just a tad too simply and smoothly.
December 3, 2025
Aww gorgeous! Hannah Gold never disappoints. It was so lovely to see April reunited with Bear again and those parts were so special. I instantly loved Blaze and the bond with April, and love that he is now part of her family. Having been a musher in Lapland on a brief husky ride through the forest, I was so connected to the whole of this story and it was perfect for this time of year, bringing back beautiful wintery memories. I’ve read The Last Bear several times as a year 4 class read and it will always be one of my favourite children’s books - when your whole class clap at the end and show so much emotion towards the characters, you know you’re onto a winning book and a fabulous author! This book was a delight, and I such a stunning continuation of their story ❤️
January 1, 2026
Loved the book. It was fantastic and even better than the first two April Wood books with Bear in them.
This book was placed in the place of Svelbard where April lives with her father and his girlfriend Maria. I loved the arctic atmosphere and the dynamic and relationhips to the huskies.
April is a headstrong and steadfast character who lives by her morals and intuition. That's why I think she makes one of the best characters ever - similar to Vasya from The Bear and the Nightingale.
This book was placed in the place of Svelbard where April lives with her father and his girlfriend Maria. I loved the arctic atmosphere and the dynamic and relationhips to the huskies.
April is a headstrong and steadfast character who lives by her morals and intuition. That's why I think she makes one of the best characters ever - similar to Vasya from The Bear and the Nightingale.
October 27, 2025
The Lone Husky is a beautiful, heartfelt tale about courage, friendship and the powerful bond between humans and animals.
Hannah Gold’s writing is warm and immersive, bringing the frozen wilderness to life in breathtaking detail. The relationship between the main character and the husky is moving and inspiring, showing the power of kindness and building trust.
This story captures the wonder of nature and the strength of the human spirit - a truly unforgettable read for fans of this authors previous books and all who love nature and hope-filled adventures.
Hannah Gold’s writing is warm and immersive, bringing the frozen wilderness to life in breathtaking detail. The relationship between the main character and the husky is moving and inspiring, showing the power of kindness and building trust.
This story captures the wonder of nature and the strength of the human spirit - a truly unforgettable read for fans of this authors previous books and all who love nature and hope-filled adventures.
October 23, 2025
Hannah Gold returns with another heartfelt adventure for April Wood. This time, April takes on a long-distance dog sled race across the Arctic, showing courage, compassion, and determination every step of the way.
Full of charm, lovable dogs, and vivid writing, The Impossible Race is a beautiful story about friendship, family, and finding strength in unexpected places. A perfect continuation of a truly special series.
Full of charm, lovable dogs, and vivid writing, The Impossible Race is a beautiful story about friendship, family, and finding strength in unexpected places. A perfect continuation of a truly special series.
December 8, 2025
A wholesome, inspiring read for children that espouses good values and the virtues of hard work. Brilliantly descriptive writing that immerses you in the beautiful but at times treacherous world of the Arctic. Themes of family, friendship and love for animals remind me very much of Michael Morpurgo’s novels.
November 30, 2025
Another excellent story, continuing the life of April Wood. I wish I’d had Hannah Gold’s books to read as a child, to inspire me. As an adult they are my favourite children’s books. Roll on the next one, no pressure Ms Gold.
November 2, 2025
Brilliant. I have loved all of Hannah Golds books & eagerly await the next adventure.
November 23, 2025
April’s best adventure yet
November 25, 2025
A gorgeous book to read with my 8 year old. She thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and i enjoyed the story too.
November 29, 2025
as amazing as Hannah's other books, read in a couple of sittings. just love the knowledge Hannah has on the subject, a d I have learnt so much from her books about April...
December 2, 2025
Another audio book. Loved it!
December 12, 2025
A book series I highly recommend.
December 15, 2025
Another wonderful book from Hannah. Blaze sounds like a gorgeous dog and I love that he has the little blue bunny, even at the end. Always an engaging storyteller.
December 31, 2025
I think Hannan Gold writes best books, she never disappointes her readers.Just like other books in this series, its a 5 star read, loved it and want more books form this author.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews