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.
Hannah 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.
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.
🤍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.
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.
"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.
Ik vind al haar boeken geweldig! Dit is het derde deel over April. Ze woont inmiddels op Spitsbergen vlakbij de Noordpool. Beer (een ijsbeer), haar beste vriend is ook weer van de partij en dit keer is één van de hoofdrolspelers een husky, genaamd Vonk. Ik ben dol op alle dieren in Hannah Gold haar verhalen en de vriendschappen die ze hebben met mensen. Zo mooi en hartverwarmend met liefde voor de dieren geschreven. De illustraties van Levi Pinfold zijn ook weer betoverend. Enorme aanrader! 🫶🏻🐻❄️
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.
It is a children’s book but it’s a 5⭐️ children’s book. Such a beautiful message about believing in yourself and the power of a supportive family, with a warning about the environmental impact of climate change. Another brilliant book from Hannah Gold
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
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
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.
Hannah Gold's books are like a comfort I can always return to.
April and Bear have this amazing and rare bond that I love reading about. I remember finishing Finding Bear and thinking, 'Oh gosh, I wonder what happens next!'. So you can imagine my joy when Hannah announced The Lone Husky. It's a really fast paced, cosy novel that will have you flipping pages faster by the minute.
April and her family have settled down in Longyearbyen, with April visiting her friend Hedda to help with the huskies, and occasionally meets Bear too. As the Polar Night begins, so does the excitement for the first ever husky sled race happening in Longyearbyen, in which April's friend Hedda is participating too. But, an injury causes Hedda to back out and April enters the race instead of her. Although, April has Blaze, a husky with a troubled past who might just be her secret weapon. She goes through intense training for the five day race and what happens after is truly an adventure to be cherished in front of a fireplace and with a mug of hot cocoa.
The writing was super cosy, and some of the lines were so philosophical.
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.
We zijn weer terug bij April Wood in het koude Noorden. Hedda neemt een husky, Vonk, onder haar hoede die ernstig getraumatiseerd is. April probeert hem aan haar te laten wennen.
“Hij ziet er sterkt genoeg uit, “ merkte ze op. “Kracht zit niet alleen vanbuiten. Dat zou jij zo onderhand toch wel moeten weten, Ysra,’ zei Hedda.
Met veel liefde en geduld krijgt ze het voor elkaar om hem uit zijn schulp te krijgen. Ze weet hem zelfs in een tuigje te krijgen om de slee te trekken.
Hedda is ondertussen aan het trainen voor de Noordpoolrace, een langeafstandsrace met hondensleden. Helaas is zij zelf geblesseerd en neemt April haar plek over. Onervaren gaat ze de zware tocht aan. Zal het haar lukken de finish te bereiken?
Ik ben dol op de verhalen van Hannah Gold. Zo liefdevol als ze schrijft over de dieren. Echt prachtige verhalen! De illustraties zijn wederom ook prachtig. De cover alleen al met de zachte tinten en de goudfolie letters. Een parel in je boekenkast.
Ook het milieuthema van de smeltende poolkappen en ijsberenjacht weet ze op een mooie manier in het verhaal te verwerken zonder dat het storend of belerend is. Hannah Gold is zo’n schrijfster waar je ongezien en zonder informatie over het verhaal gewoon het boek van wílt hebben.
The Lone Husky continues April’s adventures in the Arctic, where she now helps out at the husky yard and meets Blaze, a husky who needs extra attention. Many see huskies as prizes for sledding competitions, but April recognizes that trust and care are key to forming a real bond. While she still visits Bear, Blaze becomes her new focus, helping her learn that not everyone, or every animal, is the same.
When Hedda applies for a sled race where April decides to steps in, (Hedda not being the Yong woman she once was), April faces yet more challenges of the Arctic but also the brutality of what real mushing is. She learns not only about herself and the harsh environment, but also about perseverance, patience, and the importance of trust between musher and husky. Huskies are sensitive to their mushers emotions, and April losing focus, puts herself and the dogs in danger. Together they form a strong, trusting friendship that shows courage and teamwork.
I loved this book for its adventure, heart, and insight into human animal bonds. April’s determination, growth, and care for Blaze made this story inspiring and heartfelt.
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.
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.
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.
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 ❤️
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 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.
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.
This is a fantastic Middle Grade story, its cute, Blaze is an adorable Husky, watching April rehabilitate him was great - it shows kids that its not easy but can be done with patience. It’s full of adventure and animal friendship - the sledding storyline showed so much character development and courage from April which is great for kids to see.
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.
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...