The Last Bear is a middle-grade emotional story for ages 8-11, exploring the need for love, grief within the family, and responsibility towards the environment.
Plot summary
After her mother dies, April is left in the care of her father, a researcher deeply absorbed in his work. When he accepts a position on Bear Island near the Arctic, April hopes they will grow closer. Yet the emotional distance between them remains, and Bear, the third inhabitant of the island, fills this void. Through a powerful connection and joyful adventures with Bear, April is inspired to organise a journey to Svalbard, home of the polar bears.
Themes, Illustration and Writing Style
Hannah Gold skilfully uses symbolism. The Bear reflects April — both are broken-hearted and longing for connection, home, and belonging. At the same time, Bear Island becomes a symbolic space representing a journey toward healing and self-discovery. The author presents April’s inner world both directly and indirectly. Much of the story unfolds through her dialogue with the Bear and, to some extent, with her father, while also revealing her internal thoughts and decisions. The emotional connection between the characters is further enhanced by the beautiful illustrations of Levi Pinfold, winner of the Carnegie Medal for Black Dog in 2013. April is portrayed as a character with a strong sense of responsibility towards the natural environment, so strong that it nearly costs her life, although a few pages towards the end that felt slightly didactic. Yet this turning point also leads to a transformation in her father, who begins to overcome his grief and reconnect with his daughter.
The Last Bear, with its even pace, is suitable for readers who wish to identify with a strong female character and celebrate the beauty of our planet on Earth Day. Hannah Gold included several links in the resources section to explore the lives of polar bears and the stunning scenery of Svalbard.
Final Thought
The Last Bear is a story that strengthens emotional intelligence and inspires a sense of responsibility and action towards nature.
Further Information:
If you loved The Last Bear, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: The Last Bear
- Author and Illustrator: Hannah Gold and Levi Pinfold
- ISBN: 978-0-00-841128-2
- Publication Date: 2021
- Page Count: 320
- Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
- Recommended age: 8-11
- Categories/Topic: love, family connections, care for the environment, animals, significant other
Where to Find it:
- Buy on: Bookshop UK
- Buy on: Amazon
Further readings:
- Wishtree – another environmentally oriented book. For details, read my review here.
- The Garden of Hope – a single-parent family, a father and a daughter. Details are in my review
- Levi Pinfold’s Black Dog review
- Tree Thing – An enchanting fable to teach children about the natural world. Torday is an enchanting writer. A page-turning adventure story with a foreboding message about the planet’s fragility. And like all the best fables, it will appeal well beyond its target readership of nine to 12 ― The Telegraph
Read The Last Bear Books for Keeps review:
