Overview

Journey to the Arctic, where polar bears must await the arrival of winter. With stunning photographs from award-winning professional wildlife photographer Stephen Gorman, Waiting for Winter tells the story of a group of polar bears living in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Each year, these bears must wait longer and longer for winter, the season that brings them sustenance for the rest of the year. This hopeful nonfiction picture book gently engages and educates readers about the effects of climate change. A parent and educator guide also provides strategies and conversation starters for talking to children about Earth's changing climate.

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Reviews

The polar bears of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge make do until the arrival of winter. Because of climate change, sea ice now melts earlier in the spring and forms later in the autumn, so hungry bears must find a way to survive until the ice appears and they can hunt for seals. This take on the animals' plight stands out due to Gorman's amazing photographs. The bears aren't white, but brown ""from lying around in the sand."" At times, they look close enough to pet, although Gorman, who's previously covered the Arctic, clearly knows better. In his fetching images, the animals sometimes even seem to be posing. Against a background of rocks and driftwood on a desolate beach, two cubs entertain themselves, playing with sticks and seaweed and roughhousing as their exhausted mother naps. Finally, several mothers and cubs swim to a nearby island, where the Iñupiat villagers have left the remnants of their fall whale hunt. Scraps of food remain, and the bones make a giant jungle gym for the cubs to climb. With snow comes a new way to play as the youngsters romp and cavort. Once the sea freezes over, the animals can hunt again. Gorman employs a light touch, emphasizing the juvenile bears' love of play rather than their hunger; still, the impact of global warming comes through. Youngsters will be moved by these creatures' predicament; caregivers should consult the backmatter, which offers guidance on discussing the topic. A visually compelling, gently presented tale of climate crisis. (information on the ANWR, facts on polar bears) (Informational picture book. 4-8)-- ""Kirkus Reviews""

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