The Ice Bear
What’s inside...
Back in a time when people and animals lived together in harmony, a bear-child is stolen away from his mother. A hunter and his wife find the child and, wrapping him in sealskin, they sing him songs of the ice, the wind and the great white bears. One day the child wanders off and a bear comes to take him back to his mother. But by now the hunter is on the trail, determined to kill the creature that has taken his child. Set in the pristine polar regions of the Arctic, Jackie Morris's beautiful story reminds us that we are caretakers of these wild creatures and our actions directly affect their future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Ice Bear and the child formed such a strong bond?
What are some ways the Ice Bear shows its feelings towards the human family?
How did the environment influence the story and the characters' lives?
What might have happened if the Ice Bear stayed with the human family?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different location or climate?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the cold, icy setting and discuss how it affects both the human characters and the Ice Bear.
Ask your child how they would feel if they were in the child’s place in the story, fostering empathy and personal connection.
Explore the themes of friendship and trust together by discussing real-life scenarios where these themes play out.
Use the beautiful illustrations as a springboard for dialogues about art and how it contributes to the storytelling.
Discuss the importance of respecting and preserving nature, taking cues from the story's setting and the Ice Bear's role in the wild.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: In 'The Ice Bear,' the deep connection between humans and animals is depicted through the relationship between the child and the polar bear. The story highlights the sacredness of wildlife and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-up days to protect and respect their natural surroundings.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The book illustrates the significance of family ties through the polar bear’s journey back to its rightful place with its own kind. It shows that family connections are integral, irrespective of one's background.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and foster relationships with their family members and appreciate diverse family structures.
Example Lesson: Identity and belonging
Explanation: The story explores themes of identity and the quest for belonging as the polar bear cub is taken away and ultimately finds its way back to its family, highlighting the importance of knowing and embracing one's roots.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own heritage and to seek a sense of belonging in their community and family.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The humans in the story show empathy and kindness by helping the polar bear return to its natural habitat, demonstrating compassionate behavior towards other beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be extended to teach children to be empathetic and kind to their peers and to animals, fostering a nurturing environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The journey of the polar bear cub exemplifies bravery and resilience in overcoming challenges to find its way back home.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage and to understand that perseverance is key in overcoming difficulties.