Fletcher, Susan. A Bear Far from Home. Illustrated by Rebecca Green. Anne Schwarz Books, 2022. 978-0-593-18189-8. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Fletcher has done a lot of research for this creative nonfiction story of a bear who was gifted to a king. Based on true events from the 13th century, this tale is spun from what is known for certain with what can only be imagined.  According to primary sources, the King of Norway gave a white bear to King Henry III of England in 1251 or 1252.  The animal was taken to the Tower of London, where the British King kept a menagerie of exotic animals. Although Henry’s interactions with the presumed polar bear are not documented, records show that he ordered its caretakers to allow it to swim in the Thames. For the gaps in the narrative, the author surmises possible scenarios for the events of bear’s early life, its capture, the voyage to England, and its life in the Tower. The imagined parts are identified by the use of the words “might” or “imagine” in the sentences or by leading with a question like “Did she look back to search the horizon?” This gives the reader insight into the creature’s reactions to its life-changing experiences. The back matter provides details about the “real bear,” the menagerie and the Tower. The illustrator’s drawings in gouache and colored pencil were edited digitally.  The artist explains in her note that she tried to capture the bear’s emotions in the images, which is backed up by the text. On the page depicting the two kings, Green opted for a medieval style, while later images appear more realistic.

THOUGHTS: This team has brought to life this little-known event in history. This appealing anecdote is a good example of fact vs. supposition. Pair this with Zarafa: The Giraffe Who Walked to the King by Judith St. George for an animal themed story time fit for a king. Highly recommended.

599.786 Polar Bears          Denise Medwick, Retired, PSLA Member