Polar Bear Island

Summary:

“When Kirby, a fun-loving penguin, arrives on Polar Bear Island, she shakes things up—much to the dismay of Parker, the mayor. Will Parker learn to see how great it is to make new friends? Or will he chase Kirby away . . . forever?  

‘Welcome to Polar Bear Island. NO OTHERS ALLOWED!’ Parker is the mayor of this peaceful, predictable island, and he wants to keep it just the way it is. But Kirby, a penguin, thinks the place is paradise, and she wants to stay. Parker says no, but the other polar bears love Kirby —and soon they’re begging Parker to let Kirby (and her family) move in. Will Parker agree . . . and make the island fun for EVERYONE? With its gentle message of inclusivity, this playful and lighthearted story will delight children.” (Taken from publisher’s website)

Review:

Being different is something to celebrate not hide from! Which is exactly what Parker, the Polar Bear mayor learns when a little penguin stops by Polar Bear Island for just one night.

This is an adorable story about accepting and celebrating differences and embracing them, rather than shying away from change. With adorable illustrations that come to life when the colorful penguins arrive on Polar Bear Island, this book is a great discussion starter about taking care of each other and being inclusive. I love that the penguin travels by ice floe (with the help of a pair of long johns)! I think it’s that much funnier when you realize that penguins don’t have long enough legs to warrant packing long johns in the first place!

Final Thoughts:

Throw on your flipper slippers for a fun, wintry story about welcoming friends from all walks of life!

Important Info:

Title: Polar Bear Island
Author: Lindsay Bonilla
Illustrator: Cinta Villalobos
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Publication Date: October 2, 2018