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The Very, Very Far North #2
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North
The adventures of Duane the polar bear and his arctic friends continue in this charming sequel to the modern-day classic The Very, Very Far North , which Booklist compared to Winnie the Pooh in a starred review.
Past the place where icebergs shiver, you will find the Very, Very Far North, where Duane and his friends are sure to make you feel right at home. You might like to share a delicious Snow Delight with warmhearted Duane. While you’re slurping away, if C.C. suddenly asks you where you’ve come from, it’s not because she’s nosy; she is simply gathering scientific data. If Handsome, the musk ox, pays a visit, a quick hair combing is highly recommended. Should you notice a quiet caribou grazing nearby, well, that’s just Boo’s way of saying hello.
And if a less-than-friendly visitor arrives to sneak, shove, and shake things up, Duane and the others might discover that life isn’t always as peaceful as mid-late-afternoon nap. Fortunately, they know that change is as much a part of life as picnics and Tuesdays and cozy stories shared among friends.
Past the place where icebergs shiver, you will find the Very, Very Far North, where Duane and his friends are sure to make you feel right at home. You might like to share a delicious Snow Delight with warmhearted Duane. While you’re slurping away, if C.C. suddenly asks you where you’ve come from, it’s not because she’s nosy; she is simply gathering scientific data. If Handsome, the musk ox, pays a visit, a quick hair combing is highly recommended. Should you notice a quiet caribou grazing nearby, well, that’s just Boo’s way of saying hello.
And if a less-than-friendly visitor arrives to sneak, shove, and shake things up, Duane and the others might discover that life isn’t always as peaceful as mid-late-afternoon nap. Fortunately, they know that change is as much a part of life as picnics and Tuesdays and cozy stories shared among friends.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2020
63 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Dan Bar-el
21 books98 followersDan Bar-el is an award-winning children’s author, educator and storyteller. His writing includes chapter books, such as The Very, Very Far North and Audrey (cow), picture books, such as Not Your Typical Dragon and It's Great Being a Dad, and graphic novels, such as That One Spooky Night and Dog Night at the Story Zoo.
For the past twenty-five years, Dan has been working with children ages 3 to 13. He’s been a school age childcare provider, a preschool teacher, a creative drama and a creative writing teacher. He’s developed a multitude of creative activities for children including movie making and a radio show involving school-age childcare centres across Vancouver. As a preschool teacher, Dan created Stories in Our Own Words, a program for 3 & 4 year olds based on the ideas of famed educator and author, Vivian Gussin Paley that fostered the development of the children’s own stories by recording them and then acting them as a group.
In the past, Dan trained and worked professionally as an actor, has written for theatre, as well as written and performed comedy across Canada. These days, when not writing or teaching writing to children through the organization CWC, Dan merrily travels around the country visiting many schools and libraries.
Hiking and travelling are two of his passions. In 2004, he completed the 800 km pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, and more recently, he did the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in Peru. Cooking, baking and eating the results of said efforts are some of his others pursuits. Dan lives in Vancouver, BC with his wife, artist and goldsmith, Dominique Bréchault, and Sasha, the most adorable cat in the known universe.
For the past twenty-five years, Dan has been working with children ages 3 to 13. He’s been a school age childcare provider, a preschool teacher, a creative drama and a creative writing teacher. He’s developed a multitude of creative activities for children including movie making and a radio show involving school-age childcare centres across Vancouver. As a preschool teacher, Dan created Stories in Our Own Words, a program for 3 & 4 year olds based on the ideas of famed educator and author, Vivian Gussin Paley that fostered the development of the children’s own stories by recording them and then acting them as a group.
In the past, Dan trained and worked professionally as an actor, has written for theatre, as well as written and performed comedy across Canada. These days, when not writing or teaching writing to children through the organization CWC, Dan merrily travels around the country visiting many schools and libraries.
Hiking and travelling are two of his passions. In 2004, he completed the 800 km pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, and more recently, he did the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in Peru. Cooking, baking and eating the results of said efforts are some of his others pursuits. Dan lives in Vancouver, BC with his wife, artist and goldsmith, Dominique Bréchault, and Sasha, the most adorable cat in the known universe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 9, 2023
Read this with my 4 year old. I was informed during the book that he really wants to go to the Very, Very Far North to meet his friend Duane in person. Upon finishing the book, he requested to read another book about the Very, Very Far North. Dan Bar-El, you apparently have a small fan who requests more of Duane and the crew.
February 13, 2021
I was thrilled to see this sequel because after I had read the first book in this series, I needed more of Duane and his friends. I love the way that the author narrates the books and I really enjoy the characters. It’s how the characters relate to one another, how they view themselves in their world and their own unique personalities that make these characters stand out. You don’t need to have previously read the first book to enjoy this book in the series but I highly recommend that you read it because you’ll love it.
His winter slumber is over, as Duane walks out to find his friends and they bring him up-to-date on what he has missed. Starving, the friends head down to the beach for a picnic. They were a great, cheerful group of friends but now, a new face has arrived and he’s causing waves among the small group. It seems that this weasel has a comment about everything and everyone. They’re such a tight group of friends that, when one of them is affected by the weasel, the whole group is impacted. That darn weasel!
There were some great moments in the book, moments that made me smile and laugh. I loved how Duane removed the snow without using a shovel. If only that would work in real life, I would love to be able to do that. As I sit here now, in Iowa with over 14 inches of snow on the ground, I’m thinking I could roll myself a nice-sized fort. The concern and the effort that the characters put forth for Duane and Boo was so sweet. That’s what friends do for each other and they each did what they wanted and what they were capable of doing also. I can’t wait to see how much Musk Ox changed, if any, when he returns back to the Very, Very Far North. I was afraid that he was going to be gone for a while but I’m glad to see that he’s coming back shortly. I enjoyed the letter he wrote.
This was a great sequel and I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren when they get older. It’d make a great read aloud or it’s a great chapter book.
His winter slumber is over, as Duane walks out to find his friends and they bring him up-to-date on what he has missed. Starving, the friends head down to the beach for a picnic. They were a great, cheerful group of friends but now, a new face has arrived and he’s causing waves among the small group. It seems that this weasel has a comment about everything and everyone. They’re such a tight group of friends that, when one of them is affected by the weasel, the whole group is impacted. That darn weasel!
There were some great moments in the book, moments that made me smile and laugh. I loved how Duane removed the snow without using a shovel. If only that would work in real life, I would love to be able to do that. As I sit here now, in Iowa with over 14 inches of snow on the ground, I’m thinking I could roll myself a nice-sized fort. The concern and the effort that the characters put forth for Duane and Boo was so sweet. That’s what friends do for each other and they each did what they wanted and what they were capable of doing also. I can’t wait to see how much Musk Ox changed, if any, when he returns back to the Very, Very Far North. I was afraid that he was going to be gone for a while but I’m glad to see that he’s coming back shortly. I enjoyed the letter he wrote.
This was a great sequel and I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren when they get older. It’d make a great read aloud or it’s a great chapter book.
January 14, 2023
This is a weird book.
Not sure if it would have been better had I read the first book, but it seems like you can grab it as a stand alone.
The interactions feel stunted and choppy, but since it is made for younger humans, not sure they would feel the same.
I'll pass it along all the same.
Not sure if it would have been better had I read the first book, but it seems like you can grab it as a stand alone.
The interactions feel stunted and choppy, but since it is made for younger humans, not sure they would feel the same.
I'll pass it along all the same.
October 25, 2020
Well, well, well...if it isn't the gang!
Look!
There's C.C., Magic, Boo, Duane, the Major, Twitch, and Handsome! Oh, it's like I can feel the great big group hug they are all sharing...and that feeling carries itself throughout the story. Through good times and bad, happiness and less-than-happiness, we get to know these furry, feathers, and horned friends THAT much better. We grow to understand that some of us are better at things than others (like small talk with Magic versus C.C.)...and that's okay! We accept that there are choices to be made in life, but they aren't always in our control (like the Major with his migration and Twitch's extra twitchiness)...but there are still things to learn from those situations. We learn that secrets are not always meant to be shared, especially when they are not our own (like our dear sweet Boo)...there are those that will lead us astray much for their own amusement (that new "friend" I mentioned) and to our detriment...and that unexpected things can crop up in life that change the whole dynamic of our day to day lives, but friendship, TRUE friendship can whether any storm.
It was a grand adventure, as was to be expected from my first visit to the VERY, VERY FAR NORTH, and contained so many pearls of wisdom, one could make a necklace from them. All the feelings, all the friendships, all the fun is certainly something that stays with you long after the last turn of the page. Quite honestly, there was one part that actually brought me to tears, TEARS I tell you! Handsome would be so upset because they were leaving trail marks down my cheeks...but I'm quite certain he, Duane, or any of the rest of the crew would be standing by with a tissue at the ready...because THAT'S what friends do! They are there for one another, through thick and thin, and some of the new visitors of the VERY, VERY FAR NORTH have a thing or two to learn about the strength of those bonds, and these guys are just the friends to do it.
**review copy received; opinions are my own
Look!
There's C.C., Magic, Boo, Duane, the Major, Twitch, and Handsome! Oh, it's like I can feel the great big group hug they are all sharing...and that feeling carries itself throughout the story. Through good times and bad, happiness and less-than-happiness, we get to know these furry, feathers, and horned friends THAT much better. We grow to understand that some of us are better at things than others (like small talk with Magic versus C.C.)...and that's okay! We accept that there are choices to be made in life, but they aren't always in our control (like the Major with his migration and Twitch's extra twitchiness)...but there are still things to learn from those situations. We learn that secrets are not always meant to be shared, especially when they are not our own (like our dear sweet Boo)...there are those that will lead us astray much for their own amusement (that new "friend" I mentioned) and to our detriment...and that unexpected things can crop up in life that change the whole dynamic of our day to day lives, but friendship, TRUE friendship can whether any storm.
It was a grand adventure, as was to be expected from my first visit to the VERY, VERY FAR NORTH, and contained so many pearls of wisdom, one could make a necklace from them. All the feelings, all the friendships, all the fun is certainly something that stays with you long after the last turn of the page. Quite honestly, there was one part that actually brought me to tears, TEARS I tell you! Handsome would be so upset because they were leaving trail marks down my cheeks...but I'm quite certain he, Duane, or any of the rest of the crew would be standing by with a tissue at the ready...because THAT'S what friends do! They are there for one another, through thick and thin, and some of the new visitors of the VERY, VERY FAR NORTH have a thing or two to learn about the strength of those bonds, and these guys are just the friends to do it.
**review copy received; opinions are my own
February 24, 2021
Read aloud with my 13 year old. As much as I wanted for this book to be a clone of the first, I realize that the author had to introduce frustrations to our beloved gang at the Very, Very Far North or we would’ve suffered from boredom. It’s just that we love them so much and only want happiness for them, see? But Duane. That bear pulled us through big time with his thinking walks and quiet contemplation and, of course, his creation of the Balancing Show. My goodness, he’s a true blue friend, if ever there was one. This was a solid four star book until the final third, when it deftly swept down and picked up alllll the stars in the story’s unfolding.
November 10, 2020
We have been experiencing some really tense days lately, so it was such a pleasure to return to the very, very far north and the always charming polar bear Duane, who has just woken up from a long winter's nap. Venturing out of his cave, he finds his friends all waiting for him. There's C.C, the scholarly snowy owl, puffin Major Puff, arctic hare Twitch, Magic, the arctic fox, Handsome, the musk ox, and of course, shy caribou Boo (yes, you may recall how talented Duane is at naming his friends from the first book).
But a long winter's nap has left Duane hungry, and so the friends all decide to picnic down on the Fabulous Beach. But, lately there is a new presence in the very, very far north, a sarcastic weasel who loves to cause disruption and trouble. Duane first meets him in his cave where the no-name weasel informs him that, well, his life isn't happy and wonderful as he thinks it is. Sooner or later, cracks begin to form in friendships, and friends drift further and further apart.
Always the optimist, Duane doesn't buy the weasel's point of view, until...maybe the weasel is right. For example, when Major Puff realizes it's time to migrate south, he also thinks that this year he really doesn't want to go. All kinds of dreadful things could happen while flying back and forth, and besides, the burrow he shares with Twitch is so warm and comfortable. Leave it to the weasel to convince Major Puff to head south despite his reservations by casting doubt that his friends really care about him.
But most egregious of all is when the nameless weasel sets Magic to discover shy Boo's secret, and at the weasel's urging, he in turn inadvertently sets up Duane, Handsome, C.C., and Major Puff up to witness it. When Boo realizes that they have discovered it, she is beyond devastated. How could friends betray her like that? Some secrets are just not meant to be shared.
These two incidents and more certainly make it feel as though the weasel is right about friendships...or maybe he's at the center of all the trouble. But just when it seems that Duane's gentle, pleasant circle of friends are about to drift apart, Duane takes a thinking walk and comes up with what he hopes will be the perfect solution for repairing the cracks that have formed, before they get too deep.
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is every bit gentle and calming as the first that introduced readers to Duane and friends, The Very, Very Far North. There's a lot of emotional growing in these latest adventures - learning the saying you are sorry to someone often isn't enough, instead action speaks louder than words, that that turns out to be the case with Boo and her friends. And taking responsibility for your actions is an important lesson for Magic. But most of all, forgiveness is the hardest lesson.
I really enjoyed spending more time with Duane and friends. Life at the moment is a little chaotic for everyone, and Dan Bar-el's novels are a great escape from all that. Young readers will find that besides the messages regarding friends, there is plenty of humor throughout the story, as well as lots of little details about everyone's arctic life. And readers of the first book will be happy to see the reappearance of the Sun Girl and her Pack playing an important part this this story.
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is an ideal book for lower middle grade readers and reluctant readers, as well as kids who love animal stories. I can't recommend it highly enough.
This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was an eARC gratefully received from the publisher.
But a long winter's nap has left Duane hungry, and so the friends all decide to picnic down on the Fabulous Beach. But, lately there is a new presence in the very, very far north, a sarcastic weasel who loves to cause disruption and trouble. Duane first meets him in his cave where the no-name weasel informs him that, well, his life isn't happy and wonderful as he thinks it is. Sooner or later, cracks begin to form in friendships, and friends drift further and further apart.
Always the optimist, Duane doesn't buy the weasel's point of view, until...maybe the weasel is right. For example, when Major Puff realizes it's time to migrate south, he also thinks that this year he really doesn't want to go. All kinds of dreadful things could happen while flying back and forth, and besides, the burrow he shares with Twitch is so warm and comfortable. Leave it to the weasel to convince Major Puff to head south despite his reservations by casting doubt that his friends really care about him.
But most egregious of all is when the nameless weasel sets Magic to discover shy Boo's secret, and at the weasel's urging, he in turn inadvertently sets up Duane, Handsome, C.C., and Major Puff up to witness it. When Boo realizes that they have discovered it, she is beyond devastated. How could friends betray her like that? Some secrets are just not meant to be shared.
These two incidents and more certainly make it feel as though the weasel is right about friendships...or maybe he's at the center of all the trouble. But just when it seems that Duane's gentle, pleasant circle of friends are about to drift apart, Duane takes a thinking walk and comes up with what he hopes will be the perfect solution for repairing the cracks that have formed, before they get too deep.
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is every bit gentle and calming as the first that introduced readers to Duane and friends, The Very, Very Far North. There's a lot of emotional growing in these latest adventures - learning the saying you are sorry to someone often isn't enough, instead action speaks louder than words, that that turns out to be the case with Boo and her friends. And taking responsibility for your actions is an important lesson for Magic. But most of all, forgiveness is the hardest lesson.
I really enjoyed spending more time with Duane and friends. Life at the moment is a little chaotic for everyone, and Dan Bar-el's novels are a great escape from all that. Young readers will find that besides the messages regarding friends, there is plenty of humor throughout the story, as well as lots of little details about everyone's arctic life. And readers of the first book will be happy to see the reappearance of the Sun Girl and her Pack playing an important part this this story.
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is an ideal book for lower middle grade readers and reluctant readers, as well as kids who love animal stories. I can't recommend it highly enough.
This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was an eARC gratefully received from the publisher.
October 7, 2020
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of the first book in this series, The Very Very Far North, and was lucky enough AGAIN to receive this second one as well. It is absolutely delightful. I think I like it even better than the first one. The characters are all near and dear to my heart. Duane and his friends are the perfect companions. There are many comparisons to Winnie the Pooh for this series, and I wholeheartedly agree. I love reading about how different they all are and how this influences how they interact with each other. Since we met them all in the first book, this one is filled with all their adventures and learnings. I love how there are lessons and morals in each of the stories. This is such a great book for children, and will provide relatable ways for them to explore the world through literature. I cannot recommend it more.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2023
"I suppose she may have done it for Duane's sake, to help fill the void left by his absent friend. Or she may have done it for her own sake, to not be quite so isolated and to take the risk of feeling foolish or embarrassed now and then, but also to take the risk of being accepted as well. And who's to say that perhaps she didn't do it for both their sakes, because isn't that also possible?"
We read the first book in this series and absolutely fell in love with it - there was no way we weren't going to immediately read the sequel! It was fun get to know each character a little better and go on brand new adventures with them (I do think reading the first one will make this one more enjoyable, though they technically stand alone). While this was still a perfect gentle book for my sensitive kids, it does go deeper into some difficult topics, including friends moving away (something we experience a lot of - either them leaving or us), conflict, and betrayal; so I appreciated the care with which this author explores those complex emotions. The emotional language and conversations this helps spark with me and my kids is invaluable, all while packaged into a funny and sweet story. 2 small "complaints" I/we have: we wished the weasel had been "dealt with" a bit more. He felt a bit too peripheral at the end (we were anticipating more of a climax with his relationship with the characters - one child hoped he'd be driven off and another felt sure there was a deep grief in his life that we would see discovered and healed through friendship). Also, there is a significant story line involving someone's secret. If you have family language around not having secrets (but instead having privacy and surprises), this might be something you need to edit on the fly to fit your family.
We read the first book in this series and absolutely fell in love with it - there was no way we weren't going to immediately read the sequel! It was fun get to know each character a little better and go on brand new adventures with them (I do think reading the first one will make this one more enjoyable, though they technically stand alone). While this was still a perfect gentle book for my sensitive kids, it does go deeper into some difficult topics, including friends moving away (something we experience a lot of - either them leaving or us), conflict, and betrayal; so I appreciated the care with which this author explores those complex emotions. The emotional language and conversations this helps spark with me and my kids is invaluable, all while packaged into a funny and sweet story. 2 small "complaints" I/we have: we wished the weasel had been "dealt with" a bit more. He felt a bit too peripheral at the end (we were anticipating more of a climax with his relationship with the characters - one child hoped he'd be driven off and another felt sure there was a deep grief in his life that we would see discovered and healed through friendship). Also, there is a significant story line involving someone's secret. If you have family language around not having secrets (but instead having privacy and surprises), this might be something you need to edit on the fly to fit your family.
July 16, 2021
Liked this one a little less than the first. My sensitive kids were not comfortable with the mean weasel and what happened to Boo. Of course, it all works out in the end, but they did NOT like some parts of this one, whereas the first book was simply a delightful read.
According to our 8-year-old: It was fine.
According to our 8-year-old: It was fine.
August 11, 2025
Homeschool read aloud with the kids. We laughed, I cried, we all enjoyed these two books.
A heartwarming story about friendship.
A heartwarming story about friendship.
March 4, 2021
Read this aloud with my 7 & 9 year olds. Dan Bar-el writes well. It is very high-level language. LOTS of really good vocabulary and crafted sentences in this one. The 7 year old read the first book on his own, after I started it with him, and he could follow this one, but I think the 9 year old caught more of the nuances. It is a gentle story, laced with humor and woven with a lot of beautiful, subtle lessons about life and friendship. Good for reading in batches, cuddled up at the end of the day. It leads to chuckles, and discusion. I enjoyed reading it with them.
March 6, 2021
Read-aloud. A lovely continuation of the first book, with the addition of an antagonist. A good way to gently introduce the concept to a young reader. Same poetic language, and same level of difficulty understanding for my six-year-old, as the original. We liked this one as much as the first and wanted the story to continue!
January 3, 2022
Another cute book with the Duane and the crew.
October 9, 2020
It’s not always a sure thing that a sequel gets to be a strong link in a chain of books. But as a fan of the first book, this second edition manages to take not just the characters but the reader to new places! I said of the first book, that it joined the ranks of the Winnie the Pooh kinds of books but for this generation.
This second installment surely makes its mark in the same direction and brings both the narrative themes and evocative moments to totally new levels!
So many feelings if you dare let yourself feel them.
It’s a lot of growing up for Duane and his friends and the innocent way in which they approach the resolution of their conflicts are so poignant because at the core, young or “grown up”, the motions needed to find better days remain the same. We have to stick out for each other and allow for everyone a chance to come together and make things right. That’s my take as someone who’s done a bit of growing up myself.
I would make this book prescribed reading if i were a teacher. If only to pick apart the nuances of relationships and how they can break or mend. Plus the characters are lovely and the chapters are episodic. So whether you read them to kids or not, the book is easy get through if you take the time to do it. Loved it!
This second installment surely makes its mark in the same direction and brings both the narrative themes and evocative moments to totally new levels!
So many feelings if you dare let yourself feel them.
It’s a lot of growing up for Duane and his friends and the innocent way in which they approach the resolution of their conflicts are so poignant because at the core, young or “grown up”, the motions needed to find better days remain the same. We have to stick out for each other and allow for everyone a chance to come together and make things right. That’s my take as someone who’s done a bit of growing up myself.
I would make this book prescribed reading if i were a teacher. If only to pick apart the nuances of relationships and how they can break or mend. Plus the characters are lovely and the chapters are episodic. So whether you read them to kids or not, the book is easy get through if you take the time to do it. Loved it!
May 1, 2021
A delightful and lighthearted book that covers some deep issues of life, particularly with respect to dealing with friendships and tough emotions, in a simple and intelligent way. It also expresses respect for different ways of being in the world. All this while being tremendously fun and joyous, accessible even to the youngest of readers.
April 29, 2021
A lovely family read—aloud, sequel to The Very, Very Far North. The he kids loved the Balancing Show and more of Major Puff’s silliness. We were all happy to know that the weasel could not ruin the animals’ sweet friendships. Enjoyed by all the kids, ages 4-11!
April 11, 2021
*Written by Andrew age 6 and Charlotte age 8*
This book was AMAZING! Duane's friends return with a lot more fun then ever. We read the 1st very very far north book, so we were super exited that we could read more about Duane and his friends. We enjoy this book because Boo is more involved. So is Sun Girl. Boo has a secret that they find out all because of the mean mean weasel.
This book was AMAZING! Duane's friends return with a lot more fun then ever. We read the 1st very very far north book, so we were super exited that we could read more about Duane and his friends. We enjoy this book because Boo is more involved. So is Sun Girl. Boo has a secret that they find out all because of the mean mean weasel.
April 6, 2021
3.5 stars. We enjoyed spending more time with Duane the Polar Bear and his friends. This one was a little sadder and harder than the first one (though still very gentle and lovely).
November 4, 2020
As with The Very, Very Far North, Just Beyond is one of those books you will not put down. Each story is as humorous and memorable as the last. With eighteen chapters gracing the pages, there is three wonder-filled weeks of bedtime reading or listening at one chapter a night (though just beyond seven days if read two chapters a night). I read this is in a couple of days, each time mesmerized by the antics of these cold weather friends.
Kids will love reading, or listening to, all the stories in Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North. Stories like Major Puff’s annual migration and C.C.’s “chitchat” which makes him worry for the first time. The weasel also adds some paranoia to the Major’s trip. Or the story of Duane’s “adventure hike,” where he finds the Major, though I cannot say where or why. The nasty little weasel also gets to Magic, having her intrude on Boo’s never-seen-by-anyone home to learn her secret. The rude and despicable weasel goes too far when he uses Magic’s abilities (or her foibles), and Boo’s closely held secret to cause group mayhem never before seen this far north.
The black and white illustrations add to the story, giving readers a clear image of the characters. An illustration above each chapter title gives a glimpse into the story to come. My favorite art is of Handsome looking through a microscope C.C. set up to show him his poetry about the snowflake is scientifically incorrect. The upset musk ox becomes mesmerized by the images he sees, which proves no two snowflakes are alike.
On occasion the narrator will speak directly to the reader. His intrusions are not at all intrusive. The narrator tends to explain something that would not fit into the narrative but needs to be told. These witty little notes often give readers the sense of being with, of sitting in front of the narrator as he tells the story. The first instance of intrusion will delight writers told never to begin a story with a sleeping/dreaming character. Eight pages in the narrator steps in to explain that “nothing in this story so far is real.” Kids will love the cacophony of terrifying noise and Duane’s reaction . . . and then he wakes up to his real scream. Each story is as lively as this nightmare.
Comparing The Very, Very Far North (review here) and Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is inevitable. Suffice it to say each book can stand alone or even, if readers so desire, read in opposite order. Not having read The Very, Very Far North will not lessen one’s enjoyment of Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North. In the latter, characters are reintroduced in a short introduction prior to chapter one.
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is perfect for children younger than eight who like to listen to bedtime stories. The eight to twelve age range, and beyond, will enjoy reading the imaginative storylines and meeting these lovable characters. Duane and company are good-hearted, generous, and caring; all traits children can emulate.
Kids will love reading, or listening to, all the stories in Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North. Stories like Major Puff’s annual migration and C.C.’s “chitchat” which makes him worry for the first time. The weasel also adds some paranoia to the Major’s trip. Or the story of Duane’s “adventure hike,” where he finds the Major, though I cannot say where or why. The nasty little weasel also gets to Magic, having her intrude on Boo’s never-seen-by-anyone home to learn her secret. The rude and despicable weasel goes too far when he uses Magic’s abilities (or her foibles), and Boo’s closely held secret to cause group mayhem never before seen this far north.
The black and white illustrations add to the story, giving readers a clear image of the characters. An illustration above each chapter title gives a glimpse into the story to come. My favorite art is of Handsome looking through a microscope C.C. set up to show him his poetry about the snowflake is scientifically incorrect. The upset musk ox becomes mesmerized by the images he sees, which proves no two snowflakes are alike.
On occasion the narrator will speak directly to the reader. His intrusions are not at all intrusive. The narrator tends to explain something that would not fit into the narrative but needs to be told. These witty little notes often give readers the sense of being with, of sitting in front of the narrator as he tells the story. The first instance of intrusion will delight writers told never to begin a story with a sleeping/dreaming character. Eight pages in the narrator steps in to explain that “nothing in this story so far is real.” Kids will love the cacophony of terrifying noise and Duane’s reaction . . . and then he wakes up to his real scream. Each story is as lively as this nightmare.
Comparing The Very, Very Far North (review here) and Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is inevitable. Suffice it to say each book can stand alone or even, if readers so desire, read in opposite order. Not having read The Very, Very Far North will not lessen one’s enjoyment of Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North. In the latter, characters are reintroduced in a short introduction prior to chapter one.
Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is perfect for children younger than eight who like to listen to bedtime stories. The eight to twelve age range, and beyond, will enjoy reading the imaginative storylines and meeting these lovable characters. Duane and company are good-hearted, generous, and caring; all traits children can emulate.
September 29, 2020
This tale between ice and snow is anything but cold as friendship and adventure offer tons of warmth.
First off, this is the following book to another one. I did not read the first one before reading this one, and that was not a problem. The story takes off and immediately becomes familiar right along with the characters. It's no trouble to sink right in with Duane, the polar bear, as he sleeps in his cave and dreams of his friends...later awaking into 'real life'. These are characters, which aren't even difficult not to like, each one carries a very distinct personality and quirks. It's not hard to pick out each one simply through their dialogue and actions.
The story is written with heart but also with humor and plenty of lessons for young readers. While Duane and his friends are quite the sweet and fun bunch, they are forced to figure out how to deal with a not-so-nice character, which causes all sorts of troubles. There were a few slower moments, where I did find myself skipping over things. But I'm sure this won't be the case for every reader, since I tend to like a little more action.
That's also why I'd recommend this one more for the younger end of middle grade readers. The theme and story flow is rather gentle, and I can see 7 to 10-year-olds enjoying this more than the slightly older age group. While the page amount might seem a little heavy for the younger side, the text is well placed, and there are more than several simple illustrations to break things up and keep the tale even more interesting. The story is told with heavy input from an unknown narrator, which adds extra zest to the tale. And while it walked the border of being almost too potent, at times, it made for a fun read. I'm looking forward to grabbing up the first book and seeing what I missed because I'm sure it was an enjoyable read as well.
I received an ARC and found the characters to be a wonderful bunch.
First off, this is the following book to another one. I did not read the first one before reading this one, and that was not a problem. The story takes off and immediately becomes familiar right along with the characters. It's no trouble to sink right in with Duane, the polar bear, as he sleeps in his cave and dreams of his friends...later awaking into 'real life'. These are characters, which aren't even difficult not to like, each one carries a very distinct personality and quirks. It's not hard to pick out each one simply through their dialogue and actions.
The story is written with heart but also with humor and plenty of lessons for young readers. While Duane and his friends are quite the sweet and fun bunch, they are forced to figure out how to deal with a not-so-nice character, which causes all sorts of troubles. There were a few slower moments, where I did find myself skipping over things. But I'm sure this won't be the case for every reader, since I tend to like a little more action.
That's also why I'd recommend this one more for the younger end of middle grade readers. The theme and story flow is rather gentle, and I can see 7 to 10-year-olds enjoying this more than the slightly older age group. While the page amount might seem a little heavy for the younger side, the text is well placed, and there are more than several simple illustrations to break things up and keep the tale even more interesting. The story is told with heavy input from an unknown narrator, which adds extra zest to the tale. And while it walked the border of being almost too potent, at times, it made for a fun read. I'm looking forward to grabbing up the first book and seeing what I missed because I'm sure it was an enjoyable read as well.
I received an ARC and found the characters to be a wonderful bunch.
June 9, 2020
First sentence: If you head north, true north, to the truly north part of north, where icebergs shiver, where thermometers lose confidence, and where snowflakes prefer to avoid, and then once you reach that north, you go just a little bit further north, that’s where you’ll find Duane the polar bear and his friends.
Premise/plot: Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is the second book in Dan Bar-el's animal fantasy. It starts Duane, C.C., Magic, Handsome, Major Puff, Twitch, and Boo. The book chronicles their adventures and misadventures and centers largely around their friendships. Think Winnie the Pooh but in the Arctic.
My thoughts: I have not read the first book. I would love, love, love to read the first book but haven't tracked down a copy yet. Would reading the second book first prove confusing? Not really. I soon found my way into this created fantasy world. I would still read the first book if I come across it. But I wasn't lost or confused by the relationships.
Premise/plot: Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North is the second book in Dan Bar-el's animal fantasy. It starts Duane, C.C., Magic, Handsome, Major Puff, Twitch, and Boo. The book chronicles their adventures and misadventures and centers largely around their friendships. Think Winnie the Pooh but in the Arctic.
My thoughts: I have not read the first book. I would love, love, love to read the first book but haven't tracked down a copy yet. Would reading the second book first prove confusing? Not really. I soon found my way into this created fantasy world. I would still read the first book if I come across it. But I wasn't lost or confused by the relationships.
What he saw inside the grandfather clock, among the weights and chains, the pendulum and other metal doodads noisily flaying about, was a small, furry creature who appeared to be in the middle of a big, furious tantrum. Did I mention it was a Monday? It was a Monday. All stories involving overly loud characters begin on a Monday. What I have just described is known commonly as a stoat or an ermine, or what I will now refer to as a weasel. The fact that he would distinguish himself further by saying he was a short-tailed weasel, when his tail is obviously fairly long, only begins to demonstrate just how badly this creature knows himself. In any case, whatever he was, Duane had never laid eyes on one before.
A thinking walk is different from an adventure hike. In fact, it may be the exact opposite.
October 6, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an e-Arc of Dan Bar-el’s Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North.
Bar-El continues to provide young readers with wonderful messages about family, friendship, and life in the latest adventure of Duane the Polar Bear and his Arctic friends in Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North.
Like the first book this sequel did not disappoint. Duane and his friends are faced with new challenges in the form of a very loathsome weasel, who had a knack for creating discontent within friendships.
Along with the reader, Duane learns peacemaking skills with demonstrating good decision making when faced with difficult situations.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beautiful black and white illustrations by Kelly Pousette. Once again, they only add to the overall enjoyment of this wonderful story.
Bar-El continues to provide young readers with wonderful messages about family, friendship, and life in the latest adventure of Duane the Polar Bear and his Arctic friends in Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North.
Like the first book this sequel did not disappoint. Duane and his friends are faced with new challenges in the form of a very loathsome weasel, who had a knack for creating discontent within friendships.
Along with the reader, Duane learns peacemaking skills with demonstrating good decision making when faced with difficult situations.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beautiful black and white illustrations by Kelly Pousette. Once again, they only add to the overall enjoyment of this wonderful story.
January 4, 2023
I was not going to give this book 5 stars. I just wasn't. I was sure, totally sure that this follow up to our beloved The Very, Very Far North was not going to be as good. I mean I love Duane the polar bear and C.C. and all of the friends and their gentle adventures, but I was sure I would not like this as much as I loved the first one. And for a while I did not. But, ultimately, when it was all said and done, this book brought me to tears, it was so beautiful.
I definitely thought that this book would not be as wonderful as the first, and with the introduction of the weasel who tries to wedge himself in between the friends and start chaos I was sure I was right. It's hard to read about Duane's friends having some conflict, but also it was really good. The conflict was handled extremely well I thought - and especially now that my oldest is 7 and is starting to navigate some more complex friend issues - it was really important. It still took us a long time to get through it. Conflict and emotional upheaval is rough for my sensitive kid (and it was kind of rough for me) but when we got to the Balancing Show and Duane's question to Handsome - I knew this book was going back in the "it was amazing" slot. Because, it was amazing.
So, well done Dan Bar-el! I absolutely loved this trip to the Very Very Far North as much as our last trip and this book will be one that I treasure as a part of our read together library.
I definitely thought that this book would not be as wonderful as the first, and with the introduction of the weasel who tries to wedge himself in between the friends and start chaos I was sure I was right. It's hard to read about Duane's friends having some conflict, but also it was really good. The conflict was handled extremely well I thought - and especially now that my oldest is 7 and is starting to navigate some more complex friend issues - it was really important. It still took us a long time to get through it. Conflict and emotional upheaval is rough for my sensitive kid (and it was kind of rough for me) but when we got to the Balancing Show and Duane's question to Handsome - I knew this book was going back in the "it was amazing" slot. Because, it was amazing.
So, well done Dan Bar-el! I absolutely loved this trip to the Very Very Far North as much as our last trip and this book will be one that I treasure as a part of our read together library.
March 11, 2021
This was a lovely book to follow the first Very, Very Far North book. I read the first one and this one aloud to my sensitive 8-year old who gave the book 5/5. This story follows the same dear characters as the first book and it was like reconnecting with old friends. We enjoyed that each of the characters has moments of self-discovery.
The language is sophisticated, making it a perfect read aloud for this age.
The language is sophisticated, making it a perfect read aloud for this age.
March 22, 2021
Date approximate. The weasel character made this one a little darker than the first book and a lot of the story went over H.’s head, but both girls enjoyed it and are still talking about it a few weeks later. The other night at dinner, they were talking about dressing up as Twitch and Boo when Halloween comes around.
October 7, 2024
I almost cried when this book ended. I wanted the story to last forever…and I really wish there were more books in this series…
November 3, 2024
This one was good, but I think we enjoyed the first one better.
January 4, 2021
It's difficult for a sequel to measure up to the first book, but Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North comes close. It kept the tone and sweetness of the original. Since only one new character is introduced, the story follows the characters we met in the first book. We learn more about their personalities and see them interact.
January 26, 2021
A great sequel with all the same fun as the first book, but without rehashing the same story. The introduction of new characters, the development of old characters, and the reappearance of characters I’d wanted more of in the first book, all made this a really enjoyable read. I really love this world Dan Bar-el has created and his subtle humor and clever storylines leave the reader wanting more. I read this together with my 4th grade daughter, and we were both genuinely sad when we had finished.
February 22, 2021
We absolutely love these characters!! It is a joy spending time with them!
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