Ice in the Jungle

PreS-Gr 1—A polar bear named Ice and her mother move from the North Pole to the jungle, where everything from the weather to the food is different. Ice has a difficult time adjusting to her new home and making friends, until her classmates throw her a surprise "North Pole Party." Hofmann-Maniyar's debut picture book is a solid depiction of the anxieties children face when moving, particularly as Ice's new home is so wildly different from her old home. Children, especially those who have just experienced a new move or started at a new school, will relate to Ice's worries as she has trouble fitting into life in the jungle and making new friends. While Ice experiences a huge culture shock from moving to the Arctic to the jungle, the North Pole-themed party her classmates surprise her with is a reassuring reminder that Ice can still keep the memories and customs from her old home while making new memories in her new one. The ending is somewhat abrupt but serviceable and satisfying, as Ice is now excited to play with her new friends that she made at her party. The illustrations are bold and bright, including several spreads, and the change from the whites and blues of the North Pole to the more varied palette of the jungle is noticeable, reflecting the differences between the two environments.