Ursulețul de zăpadă

Wintry Tales #1

by Holly Webb

As the snow begins to fall, Grandad helps Sara build an igloo in the garden, and Sara sculpts a small polar bear to watch over it. And what better way to spend a snowy night than sleeping under the stars?

But when Sara awakes in the middle of the night, she finds the igloo is no longer in the garden but lost in a world of ice … and her snow bear has transformed into a real live polar bear cub. As Sara and the cub set out on an enchanted journey through the wilderness, will they ever find their way home?

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Animals, Chapter Books, Adventure

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Holly Webb is one of Britain's best-loved children's writers. She has written over a hundred books for children, and her work has been translated into over thirty languages. Holly lives in Tilehurst, just outside of Reading, Berkshire, with her husband, three children and several cats.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle]

DNF @ 9%

I probably could've given this one a better try, but I was so disappointed by the illustrations. This is an illustrated novel, so I expected the pictures to be something akin to what was on the cover. But they're just plain black-and-white drawings.

What I did read looked fine. The plot didn't grab me, however, and after the disappointment regarding the pictures, I just didn't feel any urge to continue. Your mileage may vary, of course; just be aware that this illustrated book is not illustrated throughout in the same style as the cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

[Rossy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story, lovely illustrations <3

[Daisy May Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gone into shock from the weather. The fact that I've put the heating on, and had to have an extra blanket, has made me fall back several months.

And it has made me seek out books of snow and Winter and of Christmas and of polar bears and of ice and of marshmallows toasted by the fire. So prepare yourself, for this is the first of several spectacularly unseasonal reviews.

The Snow Bear is adorable. I'm always a little wary of books for this age group (sort of 10 and under) and of this style, because I tend to presuppose a lack of quality. It's awful, but it's true and it's something I need to acknowledge in a review of this nature. I'm not keen on books that feel like they've been mass produced and spewed out by committee.

So now I need to reinforce that The Snow Bear is very much not that. It's a very gorgeous (and beautifully produced) book. Webb tells the story of Sara and that snowy Christmas with a lot of sympathy and warmth. What's also pleasing is that Webb doesn't talk down to her reader. Sara's a lovely, brave and caring individual and it's hard not to love her.

I also really loved the use of illustrations throughout The Snow Bear. There's some that are mere fragments and others that spread over two pages. They act in a variety of ways, reinforcing the story and at others stilling the reader into silence as they realise the vast Arctic world that Sara's found herself in. There's some clever work here and it's a book that will help develop visual as well as textual literacy.

I'd recommend The Snow Bear quite happily because it's lovely. Sometimes a book is just so solidly comforting and heart warming that it's hard to not smile when you've finished it. It's a dumpling of a book. I love dumplings.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this more (my son read it two or three times) but I found it rather dull. I also felt a little uncomfortable at times with the portrayal of the Inuit. I'm sure the author meant well, and there's a section at the back explaining about "People of the Arctic" and modern vs. traditional ways of life, native language, etc. But, I think some careful editing would have helped. For example, this part just didn't come across comfortably for me when the (non-Native) grandfather is speaking to his granddaughter:

"Grandpa shook his head. 'I don't think you'd see an igloo now, Sara. Most Inuit people live in houses these days. Even back when Great-Grandpa and I were there, igloos were rare. That's why we went. We wanted to record it all, before it changed forever.'
'Forever?' Sara asked sadly.
'I think so,' Grandpa agreed with a sigh. 'Things do change. But sometimes for the better.'"

Does this imply that the Inuit peoples lives are "better" now? I suppose this is a springboard for discussion, at least. "Better" from whose perspective and in what ways? Also, perhaps explore the difference between outsiders coming to "record" the native way of life, vs. the native people themselves keeping their history? I realize that is not the main point of the book, and perhaps somewhat beyond the target audience here, but I just think it is worth noting if you are sharing this with young people that you might want to supplement a bit. (Also, I think most Inuit used igloos only as temporary housing even traditionally? Not 100% sure about that, but the story kind of gives the impression all of them lived in igloos all the time (though the back matter mentions they set up tents in the summer) and that just felt too much like the 1950s cartoons of "Eskimos" for me to feel totally comfortable with it.)

[Iraa ☘️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

heavy family feels with a touch of magical realism, tulisannya khas Holly Webb tp karna pacenya lambat jd agak ngantuk ngikutinnya, lebih cocok dibaca target audiensnya.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing read for children of all ages. The love between a grandpa and granddaughter is highlighted beautifully within the backdrop of the Canadian Arctic and a polar bear looking for his mama.

A bonus is a piece of educational information on polar bears and other arctic animals at the end of the book. A perfect book for an elementary classroom.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

[Nicole Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm proud to say this is the first chapter book that I've finished with my five year old daughter, chapter by chapter at bedtime. A milestone.

This is a wholesome story about a little girl staying with her grandpa while her parents prepare for the arrival of her new baby brother. Grandpa has a fascinating wealth of knowledge and artifacts about the Inuits of the Arctic, and her favorite story of his involves his experience with a polar bear named Peter. Grandad helps a homesick Sara build an igloo and snow bear one wintry day, and magic ensues!

This is an educational story with heaps of charm and quiet, sweet illustrations and just the right amount of adventure for young kids. I actually plan to seek out more books just like it.

[Shravi Goswami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heartfelt story about a girl named Sara, who becomes friends with a snowbear. She stays at her grandpa's house, on a cliffside in Canada. She build's an igloo with her grandfather and falls asleep in it. She dreams of comes across a polar bear who is lost in between of a snow storm. Futhermost she meets a boy, after falling into a pit, and they together help the snowbear get back to it's mother.
Altogether I liked each page of this story because the author explains the girl's fealings and emotions she had for the snowbear.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little chapter book about Inuits, igloos, and fairy tales of the polar bear. The ending had a lovely bit of nonfiction facts relating to the story that kids will enjoy reading to tie in with the fantasy. The pictures were cute and hoping they will be in color after production to match the front cover more.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to share information about the Arctic with the children in your life in an engaging way? The Snow Bear by Holly Webb is a great way to do it. Sara goes to visit her grandfather who lives on a cliffside in Canada. As it snows, he talks with Sara about going to the Arctic when he was a boy with his father to record the life and customs of the Inuits living in the Arctic as Sara’s great-grandfather could already see the old ways disappearing.

When Sara goes to bed that night, she dreams herself into the stories Grandpa told her and has her own experiences which bring the Arctic to life for her. She rescues a cub, falls into a crevasse, and shares a warming Inuit soup.

The Snow Bear is a chapter book. I think children would benefit from reading this with an adult as they look at a map of the Arctic and discuss the terms used. An Internet search of corresponding images for items such as “Arctic tern” and “quilliq" would be helpful too. Although the story is fictional, there is much information included.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Myrick Books/Tiger Tales for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every year, Sara and her parents head to grandpas for a visit before they all return to their house for Christmas. This year, Sara has gone by herself because her mom is pregnant and there is always the chance of storms and blizzards. Sara and grandpa spend time together and he shares her favourite story with her. He had lived in the Arctic when he was much younger and had rescued an abandoned baby polar bear. That night it snows and she and her grandpa go outside and make an igloo. She decides she doesn't want to make a snowman, but a snow bear. When Sara falls asleep, she wakes in the Arctic. She also finds a polar bear cub who has been separated from his mother and they go on a journey following tracks to try and reunite mother and cub. This is a great story about imagination, with a wonderful MC, and lots of caring. Sara is sad not to be with her parents but she spends time with her grandfather and they end up having a good time. There are small illustrations throughout the book that add to the story. If you know a child that is an animal lover, they will probably enjoy this book.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a couple of Holly Webb’s other books I thought I knew what to expect from The Snow Bear. This story exceeded my expectations. It includes some geography and history within the story through Grandpa’s memories and tales. While it is a fiction story so no doubt some liberties could have been taken I loved reading the parts f Grandpa and Sara together. Others in the family loved the parts of Sara with Peter, the polar bear.

Fun read that inspires the young and old to appreciate each other as well as welcoming changes in life. A third grade student should be able to read this with not problem but a younger child may enjoy hearing this chapter book over several days. We all thought it was an adorable story while dreaming of our own adventures. Certainly one of our favorite books written by Holly Webb.

The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The following is my honest review and opinion. I love folktale like stories and this one sounded like it was along those lines, so I was excited to pick it up. It was longer than I expected but it was a great read for a snowy winter afternoon. I loved the way Webb integrated a modern story with a folk tale like story. Young readers will enjoy the adventure and at the same time will be learning about life in the arctic circle. I also appreciate all the facts and information at the end of the story, about animals and human life as well as some history and information about the Inuit culture. The illustrations are simple and yet beautiful throughout the story. This would be a great book for young readers around the age of 6-8 but can be enjoyed by all.

[Sabina Larisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ursuletul de zapada, Holly Web

Sara este nevoita sa si petreaca sarbatorile de iarna fara parinti, la bunicul ei, deoarece mama ei astepta un bebelus, iar teama ca drumurile sa devina impracticabile, ii determina sa ia aceasta decizie. Fetita va cinstrui un ursule de zapada, iar dupa ce bunicul ii va construi un iglu, cei doi se pregatesc sa petreaca o noapte acolo.Sara adoarme, si asa incepe aventura ei in tara zapezilor, alaturi de Peter, ursul din curte care prinde viata...Cand se trezeste, Sara constientizeaza ca totul s a petrecut in vis, iar bunicul o anunta ca vor pleca spre casa, dasa parintilor, unde o așteaptă o noua aventura, un fratior, Peter.
Este o carte placuta, pentru copii, din care inveti ca totul este posibil, atata timp cat crezi si iti doresti.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet tale! I think littles just beginning to read short chapter books will enjoy this story. I was attracted by the cover of this book, which shows in color and, knowing jr. fiction books have illustrations, assumed all the illustration in my Kindle would be in color in the actual book. Apparently they aren't. Sad if true. Still I enjoy stories that have a child and their grandparent spending time together learning from and inspiring each other. Good story.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed to have an identity crisis. It began at least three general themes, but really dropped the ball on all of them. We did get some good, brief encyclopedic information on polar bears and the Arctic at the end. The illustrations were wildly inconsistent from one to the next. The image on the dedication page has some good Bill Watterson vibes, however. I don’t know if I or my daughter will be revisiting Sara on her other Wintry Tales.

[petrutaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prima carte terminata anul acesta se pare ca este una de copii, inceputa anul trecut. Nu pot spune ca a fost o carte extraordinara, dar nici super oribila, a fost intre. Rating-ul meu ar fi fost de fapt 2,5☆, dar cum nu pot da atat, am rotunjit. E intr-adevar draguta si perfecta pentru copii care abia au invatat sa citeasca, de aceea nici nu i-am dat mai mult de 3☆. In concluzie, recomand aceasta carte daca sunteti copii sau daca vreti o carte draguta, care sa se citeasca rapid. 💖

[Tirzah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story about a girl, her grandpa's Arctic adventures, and a lovable polar bear cub. I think this would be a good introduction to short chapter books for 2nd-4th grade.

*I only read this once, not twice. With GR on mobile, it's easy to push the "Read" instead of the "Currently Reading" (argh!).

[Barbara Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect way to conclude the last day of 2025, and it was a sweet but not-so-easy read, as I found the vocabulary to be vast for my proficiency level. I wonder if a child would find it difficult too, but I guess it is good to be exposed to some unfamiliar words. Besides, the book mentions the Inuit civilisation, which I find particularly amusing.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fine, not spectacular. I was hoping for a bit more complexity for a kids chapter book - nothing crazy, just a fully formed plot. It irks me considerably when "it's all a dream" is the one and only plot twist. Still, a fun read with a lovely cover and family connections.

[T.R. Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable story about the power of dreams, the importance of family, and openness to wonder, history, and to other people and their ways.

My daughter enjoyed it so much that she asked me to read it on my own time.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I just found this one really boring and forgettable. It took several chapters for anything to start to happen. Luckily it was short so we got through it quickly. E said she liked that it was cozy.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable! Polar bears are a favorite at our house and this story was so sweet. The connection between the little girl and her grandfather was endearing. Definitley a favorite!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending is what I didn't like. I wanted something more definitive. The rest of the story was sweet, and the illustrations were lovely.

[Diana Citește · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holly Webb,părerea mea,scrie niște cărţi plictisitoare și fără sens. Al doilea volum a fost mai bun. Nu vi-l recomand!

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and very imaginative. I would have loved to read this book when I was little.

[Neil Cake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kinda poor. Nothing happened until halfway through and even then... she woke up and it was all a dream as if that wasn't already obvious.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Книжките на Холи винаги са наслада и ме пренасят на вълнуващо приключение сред природата.

След тази ми се иска да си имам и аз едно малко снежно мече, което да гушкам и мачкам!

[Anna (zaczytana_bella) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Na początku miałam dać tej książce 2,5 ⭐ Ale koniec mnie nawet wzruszył więc daję jej 3,5⭐.
Moim zdaniem jest dla młodszych czytelników myślę że od 6 do 11 lat będzie idealna

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, great to read in winter or when you want to feel like it's winter. I like how it all came together and the descriptions of the snowy settings. Learned some about the Inuit people too!