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Growing Reader

Grrr! Picture Books About Polar Bears for Kids

by Dena McMurdie

Kids love polar bears, with good reason. As the largest bear in the world and the largest land predator, these magnificent creatures have been a source of awe and wonder for generations. On top of that, they make excellent subjects for children’s picture books. With winter weather arriving, it’s the perfect time to read some books featuring the great white bear. Here are several picture books about polar bears to read with your kids.

A Polar Bear in the Snow

A Polar Bear in the Snow

by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris

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This gorgeous picture book is by the beloved author of bestsellers such as Extra Yarn, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, and The Shapes Trilogy. Young readers will follow a polar bear through the Arctic, over mountains, under the water, and through the snow. The cut-paper collage illustrations and unique story will keep children engaged through each turn of the page.

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Ice Journey of the Polar Bear

Ice Journey of the Polar Bear

by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Lou Baker-Smith

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This book explores how climate change affects the lives and journeys of polar bears. With the weather getting warmer and ice melting, a mother bear must adjust to the changes. This moving story illustrates the challenges that polar bears experience as temperatures continue to rise. Written by a conservationist, this book is an excellent read for budding environmentalists.

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Polar Bear

Polar Bear

by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

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From the creators of Honeybee comes a stunning picture book about a polar bear family. In the spring, a mother polar bear guides her cubs across a changing landscape until they reach the ice. They face danger and hardship on their journey but eventually arrive at their northern home. Gorgeous poetry and breathtaking oil paintings make this book a must-read for polar bear lovers.

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I'll Be Your Polar Bear

I'll Be Your Polar Bear

by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

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Grammy nominee and beloved children’s book author Justin Roberts pens a heartfelt story about a father’s love for his child. A polar bear and his child wander the frozen wilderness as the father reassures, comforts, and plays with the youngster. It’s an excellent bedtime read for the winter months.

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The Polar Bear in the Garden

The Polar Bear in the Garden

by Richard Jones

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Learning to let go is part of life, and this tender story helps children with that process. A young boy finds a tiny polar bear in his garden. The bear grows and grows until the boy takes the bear to a new home. Whether it’s a beloved toy, pet, or family member, this book reassures young readers who have had to say goodbye to something or someone they love.

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A Bear Far from Home

A Bear Far from Home

by Susan Fletcher, illustrated by Rebecca Green

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This nonfiction picture book shows young readers the importance of providing a healthy environment for captive animals. The king of Norway gifted the king of England a wild polar bear. He kept her in a cage until he realized the bear was unhappy. The king arranged for her to visit the Thames every day, where she could swim, fish, and feel more at home.

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There's a Bear on My Chair

There's a Bear on My Chair

by Ross Collins

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Readers of all ages will enjoy reading this rhyming story about a mouse who discovers his favorite chair occupied by a polar bear. Giggle-worthy humor and charming illustrations make this book a delight to read.

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The Invisible Bear

The Invisible Bear

by Cecile Metzger

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A lonely polar bear feels invisible until an older woman moves in next door and alters his life forever. As the bear and woman get to know each other, they discover the beauty of friendship and accepting people for who they are. With its spare prose and whimsical illustrations, this beautiful picture book is perfect for children who feel overlooked.

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Pup and Bear

Pup and Bear

by Kate Banks, illustrated by Naoko Stoop

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A polar bear adopts a young wolf cub in this heartwarming picture book. She cares for the wolf until he becomes an adult and leaves the den. Years later, the wolf finds a stranded polar bear cub and continues the cycle of love and kindness. This book is an excellent read for adoptive or blended families.

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Polar Bear Babies

Polar Bear Babies

by Susan Ring, illustrated by Lisa McCue

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In this Level 1 easy reader book, children will follow a pair of polar bear cubs as their mother teaches them how to survive in the Arctic. From finding food to avoiding danger, the cubs learn everything they need to know about life in the frozen north.

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