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The Last Bear

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The Last Bear

By: Hannah Gold
Narrated by: Helen Phillips
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About this listen

Imagine making friends with a polar bear… The Last Bear is perfect for listeners of 8+.

WINNER OF THE 2022 BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD
WINNER OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE
SHORTLISTED FOR CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2022
SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2022

“This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable.” Michael Morpurgo.

There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months. But one endless summer night, April meets one. He is starving, lonely and a long way from home. Determined to save him, April begins the most important journey of her life…

This moving story will win the hearts of children the world over and show them that no one is too young or insignificant to make a difference. The Last Bear is a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for our world and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear’s.

‘A dazzling debut . . . A magical, confidently told story . . . I predict a roaring success’ The Times

©2021 Hannah Gold (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Animals Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Polar Region Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

‘This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable’ Michael Morpurgo

‘Utterly entrancing – full of wildness and love’ Carlie Sorosiak, author of I Cosmo

‘A lovely thing’ Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers

‘This moving story will win the hearts of children the world over and show them that no one is too young or insignificant to make a difference’ The Leader

‘An utterly transporting story . . . Fierce and wild and full of hope. . .’ Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song

‘A triumph from start to finish’ Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

‘Both a hug and a battle cry with the most beautiful friendship at its heart. April and Bear's bond changes them both forever. And it might just change you too’ Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

‘A beautiful story . . . My heart went out to Bear and April and the lost environments of the north. This is a hugely important and moving read, that shows just what toll climate change is taking on the natural world’ Lauren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World

‘I loved this book . . . What a wintry treat!’ Francesca Gibbons, author of A Clock of Stars

‘I love this book so much that I read it twice. It has to be one of the most moving and beautifully written children’s books of recent years. I cannot recommend it highly enough’
David Walliams

‘A dazzling debut . . . A magical, confidently told story . . . I predict a roaring success’ The Times Children’s Book of the Week

‘A lyrical debut’ Telegraph

‘A roaring call to protect the planet’ The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week

‘A stunning debut. . .’ Amanda Craig, New Statesman

What listeners say about The Last Bear

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Beautiful story and lovely reading

I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. The story was really interesting and very hard to turn away from. The development of April’s relationship with Bear was gorgeous. The narrator had a lovely tone and reading style. This is a book that people of all ages, young and old will adore!

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Lovely story

My 8 yo loved this book. Such a sweet story with lovely narration. Would recommend

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A wonderful book!

Beautifully written and narrated. This book captures the hearts of readers young and old, and had myself, my seven year old and nine year old boys captivated throughout.
The story covers some incredibly relevant facts as well as a touching story of love and loss.
The best book we’ve read as a family for a long time!

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Fantastic

A book that everyone can enjoy and be inspired by to care for our planet! Beautifully written and read.

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