Review of The Last Polar Bear

Please use this sub-forum to discuss both middle-grade and younger children's books, including picture books, easy readers, and children's chapter books. Topics for books aimed at children 12 and under go in this forum.
Post Reply
User avatar
Rashad Deniro Price
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 258
Joined: 08 Dec 2023, 11:07
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 211
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rashad-deniro-price.html
Latest Review: Mom & Dad Are Always Right by Aimee Andren

Review of The Last Polar Bear

Post by Rashad Deniro Price »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Last Polar Bear" by Marilee Joy Mayfield.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


The Last Polar Bear by Marilee Joy Mayfield provides children with insights about the Arctic region. Among other things, they will get to meet the polar bears featured in this story and learn about the impact of global warming on the sea ice. The story begins with Amka, a mother polar bear, preparing for the Arctic winter and unfolds with the birth of her cub, Tulok, and their attempt at hunting.

Mayfield has done a great job crafting a short read that entertains, educates and advocates. She introduces Amka, the mother polar bear, in a grand style and begins to walk readers through the reality of things in the Arctic region. It was incredibly fascinating following the mother polar bear as she searches for a perfect space to preserve herself from the harsh condition of the Arctic winter. The birth of her cub takes the already compelling narrative to another level.

The story offers children a great opportunity to learn a couple of things about the polar bears, like their adaptation features, their major source of food and their predators. Children will also learn about the Arctic winter, the weather changes that come with it and how those affect the lives of species in that region (in this case, the polar bears). There is a noble effort to remind us about the importance of sustainable living. We should be conscious of the impact of our actions on others. Can we afford the polar bears going extinct? We are called to reflect on our moral responsibility to protect natural heritage.

The illustrations are one of the best I have seen in a children's story. They perfectly reflected the theme and mood of each moment. For example, the landscape of the Arctic region and the warm moments between Amka and her cub are given their deserved visual representations. However, there is a scene where Tulok's mother's name is written as "Anka" instead of "Amka." This is the only thing I think needs to be fixed in this book. But this did not affect my rating for it.

I am giving The Last Polar Bear 5 out of 5 stars for the beautiful narrative about the polar bears and the important message it passes about sustainable living. This is a book every child should have on their reading device or shelf.

******
The Last Polar Bear
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Shaniz Tobiaz
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 139
Joined: 18 Feb 2025, 03:26
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 34
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shaniz-tobiaz.html
Latest Review: The Art of Entertaining by Maggie Fleming

Post by Shaniz Tobiaz »

This a very good book and am glad the book was well edited, it a must read for me.
Absence of evidence is never an evidence of absence
George Bastem
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 178
Joined: 31 Dec 2024, 12:14
Currently Reading: They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-george-bastem.html
Latest Review: Girl Grit by Dr. Alexandra Elinsky

Post by George Bastem »

What a meaningful and beautifully told story! It’s amazing how it blends adventure, education, and an important message about protecting our planet. The mother-cub bond sounds especially touching, and the illustrations seem to bring the Arctic to life. Definitely a must-read for kids!
User avatar
Louis Donald
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 211
Joined: 31 Dec 2024, 12:35
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-louis-donald.html
Latest Review: Genesis of Yoga by Tony Sanchez

Post by Louis Donald »

The Last Polar Bear seems like a wonderful mix of storytelling and education, with a strong message about sustainability. The illustrations sound impressive too.
Post Reply

Return to “Children's Books”