FICTION

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illus. by Barroux. 32p. little bee. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781499804447.
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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.

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