Polar Bears

Gr 3—6—The author of Face to Face with Polar Bears (National Geographic, 2007) and several other polar-bear books has compiled yet another one. A one-page introduction is followed by a collection of large, eye-catching color photographs with informative captions. The pictures show a cub's first steps outside the den, interactions with its mother, and survival behavior in the Arctic environment. Close-up shots of the animal's fur and feet show its adaptations to cold weather. Food sources and other creatures that live in this habitat are covered in a separate chapter. Back matter includes a list of facts, Internet sites, a map, and a helpful index. The polar bear's endangered status is mentioned but not dwelled on. Readers are shown the beauty of this majestic animal, and they will marvel at the exceptional photos and what they learn from the captions. This book will be a hot item in libraries.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX