Welcome - Hardcover

Barroux

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 149980444X ISBN 13: 9781499804447

Publisher: little bee books, 2016

Synopsis

Three lost polar bears search for a new home in this timely book from award-winning French illustrator Barroux.

Life is quiet and peaceful on the ice for three polar bears, until, "CRACK!" The ice breaks, and they drift away. The sea is dangerous, so they need to search for a new home. Then, the polar bears see it . . . Land! They're saved! But the cows there think they are too furry, bearish, and tall, so they don't let them live there. The panda says there's no room on his island (though there clearly is!), and the giraffes pretend not to hear. All the while, their ice floe is getting smaller and smaller until they come to an empty island. A new home, all to themselves! That is, until three lost monkeys who are looking for a new home come along. The bears think about it, and say that they are welcome!

Barroux's beautiful story was inspired by the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and promotes inclusiveness and welcomeness for children!

About this title

From the Author:

Barroux studied photography, art, sculpture, and architecture in France at the famous École Estienne and École Boule. He went on to work as an art director in Paris and Montreal. While in Montreal, Barroux began illustrating by creating linocut images, and he is now well known for his children's book illustrations, including Starfish, Where Are You? (Summer 2016).

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 1—When a piece of ice breaks away from a glacier, three polar bears find themselves at sea and without resources. They drift for a long while and then go from island to island, asking for help, but the inhabitants are not accommodating. The cows tell them they are too furry to stay. The panda bear gives the excuse of "not enough room," and the walled-in giraffes are too busy to invite them in. The polar bears' desperation increases as their piece of ice decreases. But when the friends drift onto the shore of their new home, they are not alone for long. A raft arrives full of monkeys looking for help, too. Will they be turned away or welcomed? This simple story line was inspired by the ongoing refugee crisis. It is accessible and appealing to very young children, and the charming animal characters and humorous touches mitigate the danger and frightening aspects of the situation. VERDICT This modern fable works as an engaging read-aloud and discussion starter for anyone looking to build community.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta.

About this edition

• Publisher: little bee books
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 149980444X
• ISBN 13: 9781499804447
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32