Orr, Tamara B. Polar Bears.

Orr, Tamara B.  Polar Bears.  Scholastic/Childrens Press   2013  48p   $28.00  ISBN 978-0-531-20980-6      elem series: Nature's Children       E-BN 

From polar bears’ environment to how they raise their cubs, this book is nonstop interesting! Nature’s Children as a series has been around for many years. The quality continues to be outstanding, from the photos of animals in their natural environments to the fluency of their text.  Most striking is the book’s attention to providing measurements that relate to concepts that a child can understand: stating that a baby polar bear weighs around two pounds and then comparing the size to that of a squirrel makes a visual impression that leads to true understanding of the size of a cub, so small when compared to the adult female and male polar bears.  Including a chart with a male polar-bear outline compared to that of a grown human male really puts the enormous size of the polar bear into perspective.  The map of polar bears’ habitats that also shows the puzzling imbedding between grizzlies and polar bears provides scientific “thinkable” moments.  Also of importance are the effects of hunting and global warming that threaten the livelihood of the polar bear.  The information on the ability of bears to swim and survive in the cold are well written and entertaining as well as thought-provoking.  Fun facts, a glossary of highlighted terms, a list for further reading, and an index just add to this outstanding book.      Nature’s Children contains numerous titles about a wide range of animals. Each book contains crisp, colorful photos and the text flows easily, with fascinating facts about each animal. Perfect for report writers in grades 2-5.    

Polar bears                                                       --Lois McNicol