It was hard being away from Bear. Living back in the UK with her dad in a house by the coast and near her grandmother, April tried to fit back in. But she knew she was different after her adventures with Bear in the Arctic. The problem was, the other children at school thought she was different too.

When she roared and told them about the polar bears needing their help, and tried to talk about her time away, they laughed and began to call her Bear Girl. It was so frustrating when no one would listen to all the things going wrong in the Arctic. No one would take her seriously.

She was still in contact with her friend Tor from Svalbard, who would email her once a month with news from the Arctic. It helped ease her longing for Bear, just a little. One night she wakes, confused and groggy. She could’ve sworn she heard Bear’s roar. Was something wrong?

Tor’s next email was not only late – it held some disturbing news and April instantly knew. Something was wrong, and Bear was in trouble.

With all they had been through before, April’s Dad could only say yes to her pleas to return to the Arctic, and she couldn’t leave soon enough.

But this time it’s winter, and so much colder. This time it seems everything is trying to keep her and her beloved Bear apart. An experienced local woman with dog sleds agrees to take them out into the wilderness, believing they are just keen tourists wanting to see the Northern Lights. Little does she know that April has a plan.

Again, the conditions are against them, but no one and nothing should underestimate the bond between girl and bear. April never doubted him for a moment. When they are face to face again it feels like the universe is finally moving in the right direction. But Bear has news and April is devastated and in awe in equal measure. He really did need her help.

Their bond helps them in their quest until April’s friends can come to the rescue. But every minute spent in the harsh conditions of the Arctic is treacherous, and they battle against time in order to save not only their own lives, but something truly precious to them all.

It was so glorious to be in April and Bear’s world again. The bond between them is so alive and strong, that it was only a few pages in when I began to feel the intense longing April had to see her furry friend again.

Wanting them to be together and for April to know Bear was okay, pulled me through the story, only to realise there was even more at stake. April’s frustration at many people’s indifference to the polar bear’s plight and the climate crisis is a real life and growing problem around the world. The wise words spoken to her about leadership to help allay that frustration is a message for all young readers.

I enjoyed the moment of wonder from those who never believed in a bond between bear and girl, when they see it for themselves. The fate of a tiny bear cub brings even more tension in an already perilous situation.

One of my favourite illustrators has brought Bear and April alive again for readers. Levi Pinfold’s illustrations are stunning, capturing all the emotions swirling through this story. Beginning with a map of Svalbard and April’s journey, the detailed drawings are scattered throughout the story. 

Tense, heart tugging and ultimately marvelous, the ending couldn’t have been any better for April, Bear and readers of this sequel to The Last Bear.

In the rear of the book are exciting online resources the author used while writing the story. You can learn more about the Polar Institute, Climate Change and even see Svalbard on webcams! 

Author – Hannah Gold

Illustrator – Levi Pinfold.

Age – 8+

See a review for the 1st book in this duology (Click on the Cover)

(2024, Harper Collins, Polar Bears, Dangerous, Arctic, Cold, Journey, Expedition, Saving lives, Dog Sleds, Longing, Missing someone, Not fitting in, Frustration, Climate Change, Svalbard, Heartwarming, Animals, Adventure, Environment, Love, Family, Friendship, Polar Institute)