April now lives in the Arctic with her dad, and his partner Maria at their friend’s hotel in Svalbard. Her best friend Bear is never far from her thoughts and
she cherishes the limited times she gets to see him. She is just happy that he is safe and well.
Another animal has captured her heart. April spends much of her free time with a local dog sledder named Hedda and loves to learn about and help with her dogs. A new dog arrives, but it will barely show it’s muzzle out of it’s kennel. With much patience and kindness, April builds a bond with this dog. It has been mistreated by past owners, and Hedda says he will never be part of a dog sled team. Naming him Blaze, April has much higher hopes for him.
The town is excited by an upcoming competition named The Polar Race. It is being hosted by Svalbard for the first time and Hedda is keen to win it, despite her age. She has a fierce rival in the race and a point to prove. April suddenly finds herself in the race, and would love to win it too.
April was told that Blaze would never be a sled dog again, but he has since proved them wrong with his special extra senses out on the ice. Maybe, just maybe, she has a chance?
Her incredible bond with Blaze and Bear not only guide her through the race, but something even more dangerous. The race takes everything out of her, but with them at her side and in her heart, she achieves so much more.
I never expected another story of April and Bear, let alone it to be just as special as The Last Bear, and Finding Bear.
April’s love and special connection with animals shines through again in The Lone Husky. This middle-grade series has captured hearts across the world, including my own. This time, April’s love helps heal a husky’s heart and give him the courage to venture forth into life again. Hannah Gold’s portrayal of this love sings off the page, showing that like Bear, this husky called Blaze is someone truly special.
Blaze comes into his own many times over, and will make readers fall in love with him even more than Bear (if that’s even possible).
The Lone Husky is a tale of ice action, courage, animal love and a desire to win – for someone else. It’s a story of a girl doing her very best and putting others including animals first.
A beautiful novel with sumptuous illustrations by Levi Pinfold.
The Lone Husky can be read on its own, but really, why would you when you can fill your heart with The Last Bear and Finding Bear first, to really get to know April and her giant, furry, frightening best friend.
Author – Hannah Gold
Illustrator – Levi Pinfold
Age – 8+
Publisher – Harper Collins
Find more stories by Hannah Gold here
(2025, Harper Collins, Animals, Adventure, Action, Courage, Family, Friendship, Love, Series, Polar Bear, Arctic, Pure Bred Husky, Sled Dogs, Animal Connection, Patience, Kindness, Competition, Rivals)