In the snowy Alaskan landscape, a young indigenous girl crosses paths with a weak and hungry polar bear. But rather than retreating in fear, she chooses to approach the bear with tenderness by giving him all that she has to offer -- a blanket and fish from her morning excursion. And although the girl's blanket is too small -- the gesture is large. After feeling nourished and refreshed, the two new friends head out to play. When a snowstorm comes, the bear has a chance to return the girl's kindness and safely shepherds her home. Before each reunites with their parent they share one last embrace -- creating a lifelong memory of their unique bond born of mutual respect and open hearts.
Ages 3 to 8.
Full color picture book.
Hardcover with dust jacket.
10-1/2'' wide x 10-3/16'' high.
40 pages.
JiWon Beck delights in finding beauty and wonder in small things -- like the shadows of buildings lining a street, and the whispering sounds heard in a gust of wind, to larger things like the vast and beautiful scenery of Alaska -- which inspired this story. She lives with her husband and son in Korea.
Reviews:
FOREWORD, STARRED REVIEW ''Themes of kindness and compassion shine through, warming hearts in the frozen north and encouraging children to take action, even if the only thing they have available to offer is a shoulder to lean on.''
