The Purple Bears of Berry Forest & The Last Bear

The Purple Bears of Berry Forest is a beautiful, and at times quite bittersweet story about the purple bears, who live on the berries they find in their forest. When they lose their home, they must journey to find somewhere new so they can survive. They travel far, meeting many other kinds of bears along the way and learning from them. Will they ever find a new home? 

This book explores the importance of home, and especially the homes of animals and how vital they are to their survival. However, this story is also an interesting starting point for discussions with younger children about climate change consequences, as well as issues about migration, acceptance, and integration. The illustrations throughout the book are truly artistic and wonderful full of detail and in a beautiful water-color style. 

The Last Bear is a whimsical story, perfect for any child who loves adventure and animals. It follows a young animal-loving girl named April, whose scientist father is sent to the Arctic for his job. April tags along and embarks on a journey to save a polar bear who has been separated from his home. This book also explores climate change in a way that is very accessible for younger readers to understand and is a great introduction into understanding climate change and collective responsibility. The language can at times be a bit advanced, but in a way that provides really great learning opportunities to expand comprehension skills and vocabulary. It is a really sweet story about love and respect of all living things, friendship, and courage, and will leave you hopeful and inspired.

Happy reading!

Emma

RESERVE YOUR COPY OF one or both 'bear' books