Having loved all Hannah Gold’s previous children’s books I was thrilled some months ago when a copy of her latest, Finding Bear arrived in surprise book post from the lovely team at Harper Collins’ children’s books. It’s taken me months longer than intended, but I’m delighted finally to share my review of Finding Bear today.

Published by Harper Collins on 28th September 2023, Finding Bear is available for purchase through the links here.

As well as my review of Finding Bear, you’ll find my thought on Hannah’s The Last Bear here (making it one of my 2021 Books of the Year) and of The Lost Whale here (which was another Book of the Year for me in 2022)

Finding Bear

The unmissable follow-up to the phenomenal bestselling and award-winning The Last Bear. Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold and perfect for readers 8+

April Wood has returned home from her adventure on Bear Island. But, over a year later, she can’t stop thinking about Bear.

When April hears that a polar bear has been shot and injured in Svalbard, she’s convinced it’s her friend and persuades her dad to travel with her to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. So begins an unforgettable journey across frozen tundra and icy glaciers.

But along the way, she discovers much more than she bargained for – a tiny polar bear cub, desperately in need of her help. In freezing temperatures, April must navigate the dangerous Arctic terrain and face her deepest fears if she’s to save him.

Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, Finding Bear is a stunning story of survival and a heartwarming tale of love that shows us how hope is born from the smallest of beginnings.

My Review of Finding Bear

April isn’t entirely settled in her new life.

Now, when I read The Last Bear by Hannah Gold I thought it was pretty close to perfection and would be impossible to beat. How wrong could I be? Finding Bear is a magnificent sequel that is absolutely wonderful. It’s the kind of book that touches a reader – heart and soul – regardless of their age, experience or interests. I adored it.

The fabulous April Wood is a little older and a little taller, but her passion for wildlife and the environment is as deep as ever and it is this aspect of the text that illustrates what a brilliant writer Hannah Gold is. She teaches her young readers about the environment, climate change and the natural world by seamlessly weaving in these aspects to her story. Starving polar bears, melting ice and the delicate balance between humans and animals are fabulously researched aspects, but they are presented without ever patronising young readers, drawing them into the story and lighting a fire in their imaginations. There are difficult moments here presented with compassion and sensitivity but I won’t spoil the story by saying more except that this reader who is around half a century older than the target audience was reduced to a sobbing wreck in more than one occasion. 

Descriptions in this fast paced plot are simply wonderful, conveying the Arctic temperature and inhospitable, threatening environment with razor sharp accuracy so that any reader can experience the cold and dark alongside April. Add in the truly amazing illustrations by Levi Pinfold and Finding Bear is a very special book indeed. 

I absolutely loved the way that Finding Bear is an adventure story and can be accessed on that initial level, but is so multifaceted in the themes presented that the relatability for all readers is astounding. There are family dynamics as April uncovers her real emotions about Maria arriving in her Dad’s life, the sense of loneliness and the need to belong arises out of April’s difference from her fellow pupils, and the realisation of what creates abiding and enduring love at all levels permeates the entire story, especially through April’s relationship with Bear. 

It’s quite difficult to convey what a truly gifted writer Hannah Gold is. Her books are realistic and magical. Finding Bear is a shining beacon of hope, love and friendship in a world where such values can be sorely missed. Indeed, I think Finding Bear is astounding. You’ll struggle to find a better children’s book and I don’t have the vocabulary to convey how wonderful it is. Just buy it! 

About Hannah Gold

Hannah Gold grew up in a family where books, animals, and the beauty of the outside world were ever present, and is now passionate about writing stories that share her love of the planet. The Last Bear was her children’s debut which became an instant classic and international bestseller upon release in 2021. A Saturday and Sunday Times Book of the Week, it went on to win both the prestigious Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and The Blue Peter Book Award and has been translated into 25 languages.

The Lost Whale is Hannah’s critically acclaimed second novel which tells an incredible story about the connection between a boy and a whale and the bond that sets them both free. It won the Edward Stanford Children’s Travel Book 2022 and has been shortlisted for a number of regional awards.

In September 2023, Finding Bear, the highly anticipated sequel to The Last Bear, will be released. All novels are illustrated by renowned artist Levi Pinfold.

Hannah is also an ambassador for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Charity. She lives in the UK with her tortoise, her cat and her husband.

You can find out more about Hannah and join her popular ‘Bear Club’ newsletter on her website, or you can follow Hannah on Twitter @HGold_author, or find her on Facebook and Instagram.