AnnickPress

Little Leah knows she is not to go outside – there are polar bears nearby. Even so, she sneaks out to explore a nearby iceberg. Sure enough, an equally curious polar bear cub is also out on the ice, and it is not long before they find each other in the setting sun.

Soon the worried parents – human and bear alike – discover their missing young and set out to find them, father with his rifle and mother bear with her claws. Tragedy is narrowly averted by the universal love of parents for their children.

Peter Cumming’s thoughtful tale of mounting suspense, gloriously illustrated by Alice Priestley’s luminous artwork, is a triumph of storytelling that has been called “one of the best picture books around.” Annick Press is proud to present the 10th anniversary edition of this celebrated tale.

Reviews:

“A palette that echoes the aurora borealis brings this stark landscape to life.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This is an excellent story for reading aloud to a group because of its lyrical and repetitive patterning of phrases. The illustrations glow with a golden light and are delicately and carefully layered with soft edges and brilliantly colored skies. This lovely reissue will be welcomed by a new generation who will enjoy its drama and loving resolution. Highly Recommended.”
—CM Magazine

“The text is poetic and charming with a satisfying ending that pleases everyone. The artwork is rendered in colored pencil in layered strokes, which gives a delightful softness and luminescence to the winter scenes... The plot structure ... is distinctly Canadian as well as original. Recommended highly ...”
— Resource Links

“... beautiful winter tale ... as lovely to look at as it is to read ... Cumming’s picturesque, lyrical prose speaks of the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape ... Priestley gently brings the text to life in her softly layered colored pencil artwork, filling the pages with love and the untainted splendor of the north.”
—Bracebridge Muskokan