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Who Would Win? #8
Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear
What would happen if a polar bear and a grizzly bear met each other?
What if they had a fight?
Who do you think would win?
What if they had a fight?
Who do you think would win?
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
10 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Pallotta
239 books111 followersMy full name is Gerard Larry Pallotta but my mom always called me "Jerry". I was born on March 26, 1953 in Boston, Massachusetts. My mom's name is Mary, and she came from a family of ten children. My dad's name is Joe, and he came from a family of five children. My grandparents were immigrants of Italian descent. I have the nicest parents in the world. They have always been unselfish and ready to help me, even today. I have four brothers and two sisters: Joey, David, Andrew, Danny, Cindy and Mickey. I have seventy-two first cousins. When I was growing up, there were...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
My family moved to Medford, Massachusetts when I was young. I went to elementary school at Mt. Trinity Academy, not far from where my publisher is located in Watertown, Massachusetts. I never wrote a book in elementary school, and we never kept journals. In the neighborhood where I grew up, almost every family had seven to nine children. I guess that you could say that there were...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
I went to high school at Boston College High School, a Jesuit all-boys school in downtown Boston. The priests and other teachers were really wonderful. I played football and ran track. I had a great high school experience and I think later it made my studies in college much easier. My sons Neil and Eric graduated from Boston College High School in 2001 and 2003. Neil was named after a teacher I had, Fr. Neil Callahan, S.J. I never wrote a book in high school, and I never wrote for the school newspaper. I was too shy and was afraid of what other kids would think.
After high school I went to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. I majored in business, a subject that would help me later in life when I decided to publish my first book. At Georgetown, I met my wife, Linda. In college I was an average student and was captain of the Georgetown University Rugby Team. I never wrote for the college newspaper, and I never imaged writing books. A couple of years later, Linda and I got married and I started to work at an insurance company in Boston. During the first six years of being married, we had four kids. It seemed like there were...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
Today, we spend a lot of time with my 31 nieces and nephews...again...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
I learned valuable skills while talking to people, selling insurance and collecting money. When I came home from work, Linda would ask me to "read to the kids!" I loved reading to my kids and I learned to appreciate children's books. The first few books that we bought were alphabet books and counting books. "A" was always for Apple and "Z" was always for Zebra. One day I decided, "Hey, I can do this!" I had an idea. I would write an alphabet book about the Atlantic Ocean. I spent every summer at Peggotty Beach in Scituate, Massachusetts. I have great memories of lobstering, fishing, mossing, clamming and rowing in my dory.
My first book was written in 1985 when I was 32 years old. I came up with the idea, wrote it, designed it, researched it, edited it and my cousin, Frank Mazzola, Jr. illustrated it. I published it myself under the name of Peggotty Beach Books. What fun! It was first printed on July 7, 1986. I'll never forget that day. The book eventually became the #1 best selling book at the New England Aquarium. I was afraid that only my mother would like it. Teachers and kids told me they really liked my book.
While speaking in schools, teachers also told me they were looking for simple non-fiction nature books. It gave me the confidence to write more. My next book, "The Icky Bug Alphabet Book", has sold more than 1 million copies. My third book, "The Bird Alphabet Book" was voted one of the best books of the year by Birders World Magazine. I now have over twenty alphabet books. My goal has always been to write interesting, fact-filled, fun to read, beautifully illustrated color children's books. Thank you to all my illustrators: Ralph Masiello, Frank Mazzola, Jr., Rob Bolster, Edgar Stewart, Leslie
My family moved to Medford, Massachusetts when I was young. I went to elementary school at Mt. Trinity Academy, not far from where my publisher is located in Watertown, Massachusetts. I never wrote a book in elementary school, and we never kept journals. In the neighborhood where I grew up, almost every family had seven to nine children. I guess that you could say that there were...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
I went to high school at Boston College High School, a Jesuit all-boys school in downtown Boston. The priests and other teachers were really wonderful. I played football and ran track. I had a great high school experience and I think later it made my studies in college much easier. My sons Neil and Eric graduated from Boston College High School in 2001 and 2003. Neil was named after a teacher I had, Fr. Neil Callahan, S.J. I never wrote a book in high school, and I never wrote for the school newspaper. I was too shy and was afraid of what other kids would think.
After high school I went to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. I majored in business, a subject that would help me later in life when I decided to publish my first book. At Georgetown, I met my wife, Linda. In college I was an average student and was captain of the Georgetown University Rugby Team. I never wrote for the college newspaper, and I never imaged writing books. A couple of years later, Linda and I got married and I started to work at an insurance company in Boston. During the first six years of being married, we had four kids. It seemed like there were...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
Today, we spend a lot of time with my 31 nieces and nephews...again...KIDS EVERYWHERE!
I learned valuable skills while talking to people, selling insurance and collecting money. When I came home from work, Linda would ask me to "read to the kids!" I loved reading to my kids and I learned to appreciate children's books. The first few books that we bought were alphabet books and counting books. "A" was always for Apple and "Z" was always for Zebra. One day I decided, "Hey, I can do this!" I had an idea. I would write an alphabet book about the Atlantic Ocean. I spent every summer at Peggotty Beach in Scituate, Massachusetts. I have great memories of lobstering, fishing, mossing, clamming and rowing in my dory.
My first book was written in 1985 when I was 32 years old. I came up with the idea, wrote it, designed it, researched it, edited it and my cousin, Frank Mazzola, Jr. illustrated it. I published it myself under the name of Peggotty Beach Books. What fun! It was first printed on July 7, 1986. I'll never forget that day. The book eventually became the #1 best selling book at the New England Aquarium. I was afraid that only my mother would like it. Teachers and kids told me they really liked my book.
While speaking in schools, teachers also told me they were looking for simple non-fiction nature books. It gave me the confidence to write more. My next book, "The Icky Bug Alphabet Book", has sold more than 1 million copies. My third book, "The Bird Alphabet Book" was voted one of the best books of the year by Birders World Magazine. I now have over twenty alphabet books. My goal has always been to write interesting, fact-filled, fun to read, beautifully illustrated color children's books. Thank you to all my illustrators: Ralph Masiello, Frank Mazzola, Jr., Rob Bolster, Edgar Stewart, Leslie
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 6, 2022
Not the most exciting in the series, but I did learn that polar bears are left-handed.
April 24, 2021
The last one we read to complete all currently published books, my 3 & 8 year olds really enjoyed them.
March 26, 2025
Totally unrealistic, polar bears would clearly win, other than that it had very fun facts and was a fast read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2019
Extremely informative. I only had to Sharpie out the parts about eating people.
April 24, 2024
This was a book that was passed onto me during a sorting of books for send-off and although I ended up with this one I didn't get the much more interesting sounding one of T-Rex vs. Velociraptor. Water under the bridge, though.... Although I haven't really participated in this series I do have prior knowledge that usually the books here like to pit the weirdest combination of animals together while usually making the most unlikely or under-represented animal to win in a fluke match.
And so given that prior information I was actually surprised as to the "contestants" that were chosen as they are more evenly matched in many regards than what normally appears in these matches. Not only are supposedly polar bears and grizzlies much closely related with one another but there have been some so-called cases in which wild yet rare pizzly hybrids have been discovered thus alluding to the fact that there are occasional interactions between the two species when they eventually do meet.
The book does a great job in providing to the reader an introduction of both species and some of their family members in passing. Each species is furthermore provided with pages that help the reader to compare both lifestyle as well as physical traits of each animals thus allowing the reader to make their own decision in which animal may possibly win. These pages also include numerous other facts added to the pages in insert boxes to help balance out the information.
And then the scenario is presented in which the reader sees the two animals meet and given the information on how the fight progresses. This is basically the part of the book I didn't agree with as I see the polar bear's decision being the smarter move of the two and that the fight concluded not as a win/loss but as a tie between two somewhat evenly matched animals, especially as a second fight like the first could have gone either way.
The book is brightly illustrated with some colored photographs but mostly also illustrated means. As a result readers will find some height charts, fur color swatches, tracks and skeletal comparisons to help in getting the full scope of these two powerful beasts.
All in all the book is definitely informative about the animal species that were included although I did find it interesting that the grizzly's scientific name wasn't really explained to readers as being a subspecies name. And furthermore there are also some included "funny" stories about the two with some of the stories included in my opinion that shouldn't have been due to the lack of commonsense so many people have around these animals (such as included in a few of these stories).
In the end this book is probably one of the better ones in the series and if you have a child who likes bears and/or animals then they probably will more than likely enjoy these books for a quick read. And perhaps you can use these books for a game night event while having your own child come up with their own scenarios of confrontation and how the fights actually did go down.
And so given that prior information I was actually surprised as to the "contestants" that were chosen as they are more evenly matched in many regards than what normally appears in these matches. Not only are supposedly polar bears and grizzlies much closely related with one another but there have been some so-called cases in which wild yet rare pizzly hybrids have been discovered thus alluding to the fact that there are occasional interactions between the two species when they eventually do meet.
The book does a great job in providing to the reader an introduction of both species and some of their family members in passing. Each species is furthermore provided with pages that help the reader to compare both lifestyle as well as physical traits of each animals thus allowing the reader to make their own decision in which animal may possibly win. These pages also include numerous other facts added to the pages in insert boxes to help balance out the information.
And then the scenario is presented in which the reader sees the two animals meet and given the information on how the fight progresses. This is basically the part of the book I didn't agree with as I see the polar bear's decision being the smarter move of the two and that the fight concluded not as a win/loss but as a tie between two somewhat evenly matched animals, especially as a second fight like the first could have gone either way.
The book is brightly illustrated with some colored photographs but mostly also illustrated means. As a result readers will find some height charts, fur color swatches, tracks and skeletal comparisons to help in getting the full scope of these two powerful beasts.
All in all the book is definitely informative about the animal species that were included although I did find it interesting that the grizzly's scientific name wasn't really explained to readers as being a subspecies name. And furthermore there are also some included "funny" stories about the two with some of the stories included in my opinion that shouldn't have been due to the lack of commonsense so many people have around these animals (such as included in a few of these stories).
In the end this book is probably one of the better ones in the series and if you have a child who likes bears and/or animals then they probably will more than likely enjoy these books for a quick read. And perhaps you can use these books for a game night event while having your own child come up with their own scenarios of confrontation and how the fights actually did go down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2024
In this informational book, students will learn about two incredible animals, grizzly bear and polar bear, and who would win in a hypothetical battle. I really enjoy these books because they give so much information about two species while also being entertaining and engaging. The book explores each animal's physical traits, habitats, strengths, and behaviors, leading up to a thrilling conclusion about which bear would win if they would ever meet in real-life. The illustrations are detailed drawings of the animals in action and there are also real images that help students visualize the bears' features and environments.
I find this book to be ideal for 2nd or 3rd grade students because it gives scientific vocabulary that is clearly explained, making it great for guided or independent reading. After reading this book, I would have the class as a whole create a venn diagram that shows the similarities and differences of each bear.
I find this book to be ideal for 2nd or 3rd grade students because it gives scientific vocabulary that is clearly explained, making it great for guided or independent reading. After reading this book, I would have the class as a whole create a venn diagram that shows the similarities and differences of each bear.
October 24, 2025
I've read several books in this series now. They are all set up so that readers look at a series of facts about each animal, and then, at the very end there is a "fight" and a winner. Sometimes these fights have really happened in the wild, but other times it is imagined.
I assume that this fight, between between a polar bear and a grizzly bear has happened in real life. But it would be nice if the book said which fights really occurred and were witnessed, and which are based on the author's hypothesis.
I also read once that there are hybrid bears that come from a polar bear and grizzly bear mating, so I do not know if they usually fight when they encounter each other, or if they get along.
I assume that this fight, between between a polar bear and a grizzly bear has happened in real life. But it would be nice if the book said which fights really occurred and were witnessed, and which are based on the author's hypothesis.
I also read once that there are hybrid bears that come from a polar bear and grizzly bear mating, so I do not know if they usually fight when they encounter each other, or if they get along.
September 13, 2022
Let's get ready to R-U-M-B-L-E!
This is the first I've read of this popular series because bears, naturally. The animal factoids are presented in an engaging manner, combining illustrations and photos. It's kind of a shame that the animals have to "fight" to get kids' attention, but sometimes it takes VIOLENCE to force some edumacation into a young mind.
This is the first I've read of this popular series because bears, naturally. The animal factoids are presented in an engaging manner, combining illustrations and photos. It's kind of a shame that the animals have to "fight" to get kids' attention, but sometimes it takes VIOLENCE to force some edumacation into a young mind.
November 22, 2017
Though I think this series has value, especially for the use of providing writing prompts for elementary students, this one wasn’t one of the best in the series. While others gave objective and interesting facts about the antagonist, this one seemed more bent on giving facts that would scare readers and didn’t put those facts into a useful perspective.
November 12, 2018
A nonfiction book full of bear facts and comparisons. If the rest of the series is like this, it seems quite informative. The premise of the two in a fight is a great hook, though maybe a touch masculine. I worry that these books would appeal disproportionately to boys, when we should be looking for ways to encourage girls to read nonfiction as well.
November 27, 2019
Lots of good factual information about both species (and some bonus facts about some other bears that don't get to compete). There is a showdown at the end, and a winner! But the outcome is close! Surprisingly good! I can see why the kids like this series so much - nice, accurate illustrations, lots of facts, well-written, and a BATTLE.
September 10, 2021
This is a great series of books! I'm 45 years old and I love reading them for myself. They provide facts about the animals and then "pit" the animals against each other. Who I think will win is not always the winner!
These are great for the 6-10 year old bracket. My nephew is 6 and my niece is almost 9 and they love them too!
These are great for the 6-10 year old bracket. My nephew is 6 and my niece is almost 9 and they love them too!
June 27, 2025
Interesting facts about both bears
Strongly disagree that a Grizzly bear would win the fight. The polar bear has a two foot height advantage and significantly more reach. Polar bears have to hunt and kill seals, caribou, etc while a grizzly bear gets its food from stolen picnic baskets and salmon that jump directly into its fat, dumb mouth.
Strongly disagree that a Grizzly bear would win the fight. The polar bear has a two foot height advantage and significantly more reach. Polar bears have to hunt and kill seals, caribou, etc while a grizzly bear gets its food from stolen picnic baskets and salmon that jump directly into its fat, dumb mouth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2017
I don't know enough about polar bears or grizzly bears to determine if the information in this book is accurate BUT I really enjoyed learning about the two species. The author did an awesome job of keeping it interesting with fun facts, including a pictures of life size claws for both species.
March 9, 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Informational
Grade: 2-4
Special Feature: This book includes life-sized illustrations of the claws of the bears and does a great job of comparing and contrasting the bears with a Who Has the Advantage checklist at the end which is interactive for all!
Grade: 2-4
Special Feature: This book includes life-sized illustrations of the claws of the bears and does a great job of comparing and contrasting the bears with a Who Has the Advantage checklist at the end which is interactive for all!
September 5, 2019
I read this book in Spanish and really enjoyed it. Informational text isn’t my favorite, but I learned interesting facts about bears and some new Spanish vocabulary. I just got several books in from this series and will read more!
November 13, 2024
I liked reading this book because it compared two different types of bears. It is a great way to introduce animal families and discuss how these animals are bears. This is also a great way to compare and contrast. I would use this in my classroom to talk about informational comparing and contrasting as well as use it as a framework for an informational text project.
June 22, 2017
Interesting with facts I had never known before.
August 17, 2017
David Q: I like this book because it taught me many things about polar bears and grizzly bears.
August 7, 2020
Funny, entertaining, and educational - great read for both my preschooler and 2nd grader.
November 12, 2020
This book compares polar bears vs grizzly bears by using different facts and images.
January 12, 2021
i like it beacause no one dies
January 25, 2021
Fun series requested by my students.
March 30, 2021
My kids really enjoy this series and they learn something too!
September 23, 2021
this book was fire and i liked it alot when i was in elementary school i would just read this alot and alot
March 3, 2022
I loved these books growing up. I think that they are vital to have in the classroom. This book has great illustrations and many awesome facts that get kids excited to learn.
March 5, 2022
Lots of facts. My kids loved this book
January 10, 2023
I was quite surprised by the outcome of his book. I chose Polar Bear and my son chose Grizzly Bear...
June 28, 2024
I always learn something from these little books. This time around I was able to pick the winner!
September 12, 2024
My students love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews