A Polar Bear's World

September 15, 2010
Grades K-2 These additions to Caroline Arnolds Animals series act as a charming bridge between picture books and higher-level nonfiction. Each book includes a narrative that tells the story of young animals growing up from birth until they are ready to live on their own. The stories, related in the present tense, feel immediate and engaging. There are even occasional sound effect words, as when a polar bears leap into the water with a Splash! in A Polar Bears World. Fact boxes on almost every spread provide interesting additional information. The plainness of the fact boxes contrasts with Arnolds beautiful but simple artwork, which cleanly captures the essence of each animal. Very basic backgrounds keep the illustrations focus squarely on the creatures. The back matter includes a map showing where the animals live, a list of fun facts, and a short glossaryall basic enough not to overwhelm younger childrenand those elements seem more useful than the pro forma index, list of additional books, and Internet sites. Overall, these books perfectly balanced mix of facts, story, and pictures will hold young readers attention and help them learn.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)