More Bears!! Picture Book Review: Waiting For Ice

As I've mentioned before, I navigate to books on bears. Not just because I'm writing the biography of Simon Jackson and his fight to save the spirit bears (tentative title, A Voice for the Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story) but because what's not to love about a bear. They're majestic and fearless and powerful. Their stealth-like qualities make them at the top of the food chain, and they're fiercely protective of their young. I think of them as survivors. Especially considering the challenges they face as people move into their territory and the world warms up! Are they capable of beating the odds? I like to think so and so...

I was thrilled when I discovered Waiting For Ice by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Alan Marks (Charlesbridge, 2012) and how one polar bear cub faces adversity head on, to survive without a mother or her training in a world where only the strongest survive. It is based on a true story of a polar bear named Tuff, whom researcher Dr. Nikita Ovsyanikov first spotted in October 2002 while studying bears on Wrangel Island. The story is breathtakingly told by Markle with just the right amount of details. The tension and pacing-- picture perfect! And rich realistic watercolor-and-pencil illustrations by Marks. To get a glimpse into the story behind the story visit Markle's blog WRITE ON! by clicking HERE!

And in celebration of Mother Earth and yesterday's Earth Day I enjoyed reading A Warmer World by Caroline Arnold, illustrated by Jamie Hogan (Charlesbridge, 2012). In straightforward and clear text, it's the perfect book to read to find out how climate change affects wildlife. To read an interview with the author visit Charlesbridge's website by clicking HERE. 

One final note, today is World Book Night, and our Austin SCBWI chapter was thrilled to help get books into the hands of readers young and old. See pictures of RA Debbie Gonzales and myself delivering books in this recap by Debbie. Click HERE. I hope everyone will be reading today!!