With animated polar bears in the news, some children might be interested in learning more about the real thing. Polar Bears (First Facts: Bears) by Molly Erin Kolpin 
is a good choice for first or second graders who want to learn more about these shaggy white bears and practice their reading skills at the same time.
Do polar bears hibernate like most other bears? I thought they did because I had seen videos of bears emerging from dens, but according to the book, polar bears do not hibernate. Most remain active through the winter. The exception, however, are expectant mothers. They dig dens in the snow where they sleep and have their young. It is much warmer inside the dens, which helps the young survive. And boy, those young polar bears are cute!
With color photographs, a range map, a glossary, an index and suggestions for places to find out more, Polar Bears is sure to suit youngsters wanting to learn about the mysterious big white bears, and please teachers and librarians as well.
Note for sensitive children: there is one photograph of a polar bear biting a seal. It looks dead, but isn’t bloody.
Reading level: 1-2 IL: 1-3
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Capstone Press (August 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1429671890
ISBN-13: 978-1429671897
Book provided by the publisher for review purposes.
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This week’s round-up is at Capstone Connect.