DescriptionA lovely little miracle of a book.
--Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan A] large-hearted and riveting medieval adventure.
--William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of Goblin Secrets A breathtaking adventure.
--Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor--winning author of Hattie Big Sky A runaway boy befriends a polar bear that's being transported from Norway to London in this stupendous coming-of-age tale stuffed with adventure (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
The polar bear is a royal bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England.
The first time Arthur encounters the bear, she terrifies him.
Yet, strangely, she doesn't harm him--though she has attacked anyone else who comes near.
So Arthur finds himself taking care of a polar bear on a ship to England.
Tasked with feeding and cleaning up after the bear, Arthur's fears slowly lessen as he begins to feel a connection to this bear, who like him, has been cut off from her family.
But the journey holds many dangers, and Arthur knows his own freedom--perhaps even his life--depends on keeping the bear from harm.
When pirates attack, Arthur must make a choice--does he do everything he can to save himself, or does he help the bear to find freedom? Based on the real story of a polar bear that lived in the Tower of London, this timeless adventure story thoughtfully looks at the themes of freedom, captivity, and the bond between a boy and a bear.
