Finding Bear: An irresistible animal adventure – the unmissable follow-up to the award-winning THE LAST BEAR

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But the frozen environment of the tundra in winter is unbelievably hostile to human travel, and despite hiring the most highly skilled (and reluctant! Like many children, I grew up on a diet of Blue Peter, following the show’s adventures and falling in love with all the pets. If you enjoy reading middle grade, like to read heartwarming adventure tales, and like subject matter which focuses on environmentalism, then this is the book for you!

I thoroughly enjoyed Hannah Gold's first book in this series - Finding Bear - and was more than excited when I heard there would be a sequel. You do have to suspend your disbelief somewhat - not just that a polar bear would befriend a girl but also that a male polar bear would care for a cub (which as far as I’m aware they would not) but if you can take that leap of faith with the author you are wonderful rewarded with a tale that will melt your heart. I decided to pick it up as I loved the last bear, this book definitely needs to be read before hand. The magical bond between girl and bear taps into every child’s dream, but Gold also explores themes of grief and loss, and what it means to love enough to let go. Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, Finding Bear is a stunning story of survival and a heartwarming tale of love that shows us how hope is born from the smallest of beginnings.It’s a fantastic independent book seller that will actually be responsive and select appropriate books for you. The author’s passion for her subject makes for a powerful and memorable reading experience that will certainly not disappoint the many fans of the award-winning The Last Bear, providing a satisfying and credible outcome which leaves you filled with hope for both April and Bear.

In case you didn’t read The Last Bear, I suggest you do, here is a brief overview – Bear Island is the setting and despite its name it no longer has any bears, at least no polar bears. In freezing temperatures, April must navigate the dangerous Arctic terrain and face her deepest fears if she’s to save him. Seventeen months after leaving the Arctic - after she had established a profound bond with the trapped polar bear she found wasting away - April is having difficulty settling into "normal" life, as she is bullied at school, and is unable to understand why people don't care about the climate crisis and the plight of the polar bears.I was lucky enough to finish reading 'The Last Bear' around the time Hannah announced that 'Finding Bear' was due to be released, so I was thrilled!

Add in the truly amazing illustrations by Levi Pinfold and Finding Bear is a very special book indeed. There are difficult moments here presented with compassion and sensitivity but I won’t spoil the story by saying more except that this reader who is around half a century older than the target audience was reduced to a sobbing wreck in more than one occasion. For all ebook purchases, you will be prompted to create an account or login with your existing HarperCollins username and password. April's care for the planet and the creatures who roam across it are inspirational for readers of all ages and her bravery in facing head-on all that she encounters make her a resilient and loveable protagonist. I have not read the first book about Bear by Hannah Gold, so I was slightly apprehensive about beginning with the sequel.

Friendship, courage, family bonds and the importance of not judging people on first impressions are also themes powerfully explored in the book. It’s the kind of book that touches a reader – heart and soul – regardless of their age, experience or interests.

You’ll struggle to find a better children’s book and I don’t have the vocabulary to convey how wonderful it is. One of my favourite things about reading children's books is that they contain a form of magic that you just don't get in books aimed at older readers. The Last Bear by Hannah Gold was a wonderful book telling the story of April Wood rescuing a trapped and starving polar bear - despite numerous obstacles. This entirely successful follow-up is just as exciting a story of love and enduring respect as its predecessor.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!