Polar Bears: Books For Kids
Children’s literature has many notable options when it comes to polar bears. To help you find the right books for you and your young reader, we’ve compiled a list of the best kids books about polar bears.
Our list includes board books, picture books, and chapter books. Board books are best for babies and toddlers from ages newborn to 2 or 3. Picture books are generally great options for toddlers and for preschool and kindergarten age children. Picture books are especially enjoyable for adults to read aloud with young kids. The chapter books on our list are generally best for elementary through early middle school age tween kids. You can filter to sort by the best book type for your kid, and you can also use our table of contents to jump to particular topics you think your kid will enjoy.
When it comes to children’s stories about polar bears, there are a variety of titles. This list covers everything, from classics like Please Bring Balloons to popular sellers like Ida, Always to some of our favorite hidden gems like Hush Little Polar Bear: A Picture Book.
We hope this list of kids books about polar bears can be a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and others searching for a new book! As you explore the list, please comment below to let us know what books you would add.
Top 10 Books About Polar Bears
A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears.
Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always.
Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him—through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favorite spots.
Ida, Always is an exquisitely told story of two best friends—inspired by a real bear friendship—and a gentle, moving, needed reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.
A hilarious story about finding your place in the world
George is a bit of a grump. He doesn’t like ice cream, his tiny house, or the crowded city he lives in. Perhaps he would be happier if he could find a place that truly feels like home. And so George decides to go exploring…
Young children will delight in this fun, inviting story about discovering where you really belong.
Caspian lives in a lighthouse surrounded by a cold gray-blue sea. Every day, he watches, wishing for a friend. But no one comes. So, Caspian decides that wishing is not enough. What follows is an imaginative journey that will inspire readers to reach out to others and remind us all that the power to change our world lies within ourselves.
AN IMPOSSIBLY CUDDLY BABY POLAR BEAR travels from one magical place to another. “Hush baby polar bear. Sleep in the snow, and dream of the places where sleeping bears go.” Readers follow a baby snow-white plush polar bear that has been brought to life by his owner’s imagination from the back of a whale with the sea spray surrounding, to a land of tall grass where butterflies float by up into the sky itself…and happily right back through the window into the loving arms of his owner asleep in bed. Mack’s lush and lovable illustrations suit the lulling, rhyming text to make a perfect bedtime book sure to leave readers and listeners with warm and fuzzy feelings read after read.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day and a heartwarming read for the cold winter months, this cozy animal story explores the universal theme of a mother’s love for her child. When a polar bear leaves the safety and warmth of her cave to travel all over a frozen wonderland, she must be looking for something very important. Could it be delicious silver salmon? A view of the swirling winter sky? A bit of gold? Of course, she is in search of the most precious thing of all: her lost little cub. In this touching story, readers will instantly be enamored with the sweeping illustrations of winter landscapes, endearing polar bear characters, and the resonant message that a mother’s love matters most.
Fall in love with this moving and magical picture book about a sweet, conscientious polar bear, the moon, and the special connection they share.
Illustrated with a classic feel and told with a refreshing voice, The Moon Keeper is a perfect bedtime story with gentle messages about friendship, impermanence, and nature that will appeal to fans of Kitten’s First Full Moon, Rabbit Moon, and Little Bear.
Emile, a very responsible polar bear, has a new job as moon keeper. He spends his evenings making sure the moon has everything it needs to shine its light over the night creatures.
Night after night he keeps watch over the moon—clearing away the clouds and telling the fruit bats to move along when they play too close.
Emile finds the moon nice to talk to in the stillness of the night. But what happens when the moon starts to change and slowly disappears? In a lovely and touching series of small investigations, consultations with neighbors, and a fair amount of worry, he learns that in life, things come and go—and it’s okay.
Zosienka’s debut as author-illustrator is the rare moon-themed picture book that shows the phases of the moon through brilliant childlike storytelling.
When Ice’s mother tells her that they’re going to move to an exciting new place, Ice isn’t so sure. She likes her home and her friends, and the fun they have together. The journey takes forever, and their new home is very strange. Everything is different – the weather, the food, the people and the language. Ice tries to make friends, but everyone seems too busy and preoccupied to care.Will anything happen to help Ice feel more at home?A charming debut picture book about the anxieties and hardships of moving, with a heart-warming, positive ending.
The delightful story of a finicky polar bear who learns that having friends and fun is more important than things being “just so.”
Willow is a polar bear who likes things just so. She even irons her underwear and tidies her teacher! So when a storm covers her backyard in a smooth blanket of snow, she’s determined to keep it that way—in spite of all the other kids creating a lumpy, bumpy mess. Will Willow realize that being particular is making her miss out on all the fun?
As Miki the polar bear romps in the snow, he spots a bright red dot far off in the distance. It turns out to be . . . a little girl with a twinkly face and gurgling laugh! Now Miki has someone to play with. Together the brand-new friends toss snowballs, have icy adventures, and eventually find their way home to snuggle with their mothers. Wonderfully sweet and spare illustrations capture a wintertime friendship in this warm picture book.
Before Simon sails to America, he promises his family that he will get a job and send for them. Simon’s mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks.The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more, he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale-like none you’ve ever read before-celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. A retelling of the ancient Hanukkah story is included on the last page.
Books About Polar Bears and Animals
A hilarious story about finding your place in the world
George is a bit of a grump. He doesn’t like ice cream, his tiny house, or the crowded city he lives in. Perhaps he would be happier if he could find a place that truly feels like home. And so George decides to go exploring…
Young children will delight in this fun, inviting story about discovering where you really belong.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day and a heartwarming read for the cold winter months, this cozy animal story explores the universal theme of a mother’s love for her child. When a polar bear leaves the safety and warmth of her cave to travel all over a frozen wonderland, she must be looking for something very important. Could it be delicious silver salmon? A view of the swirling winter sky? A bit of gold? Of course, she is in search of the most precious thing of all: her lost little cub. In this touching story, readers will instantly be enamored with the sweeping illustrations of winter landscapes, endearing polar bear characters, and the resonant message that a mother’s love matters most.
The delightful story of a finicky polar bear who learns that having friends and fun is more important than things being “just so.”
Willow is a polar bear who likes things just so. She even irons her underwear and tidies her teacher! So when a storm covers her backyard in a smooth blanket of snow, she’s determined to keep it that way—in spite of all the other kids creating a lumpy, bumpy mess. Will Willow realize that being particular is making her miss out on all the fun?
Pup and Bear - This deeply emotional read-aloud about a lost wolf pup who is raised by a loving polar bear is sure to resonate with families - particularly non-traditional ones. You are not my mother, said the wolf pup. I am not your mother, said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe. Here is a picture book that celebrates differences and promotes kindness, sure to resonate with the many fans of the beloved classic, Mama Do You Love Me? During the ice melt that follows an Arctic winter, a wolf cub finds himself spinning out to sea on a sheet of ice. He awakes lost and alone to an unfamiliar smell: a polar bear. And while the polar bear is not the wolf’s mother, she takes him on her back to her den, where she feeds him, keeps him warm, and does everything a mother would do. Time passes, the cub grows into a wolf, and soon it’s time for him to venture out into the wide world alone. Years later, the now grown wolf comes upon a tiny lost polar bear cub—and the cycle begins again. With poetic prose this beautiful picture book about the love and kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with parents and children who have found each other in unexpected ways.
Polar Bear Island - “Welcome to Polar Bear Island. NO OTHERS ALLOWED!” So says Parker, the mayor, eager to keep the island just the way it is. But Kirby, a newly arrived penguin, is shaking things up—much to Parker’s dismay. The other polar bears love Kirby and beg 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 energetic story will delight children.
God Gave Us You - When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her Mama a very important question—one that little “human cubs” often wonder about, too: “Where did I come from?” As Mama bear tucks her youngest cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: “We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because—God gave us you.” Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime or anytime, God Gave Us You provides a valuable opportunity to build children’s self-esteem every day and assure each one that he or she truly is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from the Lord.
If Polar Bears Disappeared - What would happen if polar bears disappeared from the planet? Find out in this gorgeous, accessible nonfiction picture book that imagines the consequences of a world without polar bears.
Want to see books about animals?
Books About Polar Bears and Friendship
Caspian lives in a lighthouse surrounded by a cold gray-blue sea. Every day, he watches, wishing for a friend. But no one comes. So, Caspian decides that wishing is not enough. What follows is an imaginative journey that will inspire readers to reach out to others and remind us all that the power to change our world lies within ourselves.
As Miki the polar bear romps in the snow, he spots a bright red dot far off in the distance. It turns out to be . . . a little girl with a twinkly face and gurgling laugh! Now Miki has someone to play with. Together the brand-new friends toss snowballs, have icy adventures, and eventually find their way home to snuggle with their mothers. Wonderfully sweet and spare illustrations capture a wintertime friendship in this warm picture book.
Before Simon sails to America, he promises his family that he will get a job and send for them. Simon’s mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks.The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more, he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale-like none you’ve ever read before-celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. A retelling of the ancient Hanukkah story is included on the last page.
The Polar Bear Express (Mermaid Tales) - A lost baby polar bear shares the spotlight with a popular boy band in this Mermaid Tales adventure. Kiki Coral is thrilled beyond words when she meets a brand-new friend: a baby polar bear! The problem is, the little bear, whose name is Nestor, has floated away from home on a patch of ice and now he’s lost, hungry, and all alone! Kiki, Shelly, and Echo want to send Nestor back to his home on the Manta Ray Express, but a one-way ticket costs a whopping four jewels! That’s a fortune! Not to mention, all anyone at school can talk about is the Rays, who are performing a concert in Poseidon. Kiki loves the cute boy band as much as the next mergirl, but what about Nestor? Isn’t saving him more important than a concert? Can Kiki and her friends find a fun way to send their new furry friend home—and hang out with the Rays in the process?
Journey of the Pale Bear - A runaway boy befriends a polar bear that’s being transported from Norway to London in this lyrical and timeless adventure story about freedom, captivity, and finding a family. 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, he is shoved in her cage as payback for stealing food. Restless and deadly, the bear terrifies him. Yet, strangely, she doesn’t harm him—though she has attacked anyone else who comes near. That makes Arthur valuable to the doctor in charge of getting the bear safely to London. So Arthur, who has run away from home, 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 and the ship founders, 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 is also a touching account of the bond between a boy and a bear.
Little Polar Bear: Lars and the Brave Little Hare - One quiet day at the North Pole, Lars, the Little Polar Bear, hears a cry coming from a deep hole in the ice. It‘s Hugo, a scared little hare, who is trapped and needs to be rescued. The two fast become friends, but Lars teases Hugo for being timid, and Hugo wishes Lars would be just a little more careful! Then Lars lands himself in trouble, and Hugo has to show just how brave he can be in an emergency.
A Splendid Friend, Indeed - Bear wants to read and write and think. Goose wants to talk and talk and talk. Can Bear and Goose be friends? Suzanne Bloom’s picture book says volumes about friendship with a few select words and charming illustrations in this Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book.
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Books About Polar Bears and Social Themes
A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears.
Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always.
Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him—through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favorite spots.
Ida, Always is an exquisitely told story of two best friends—inspired by a real bear friendship—and a gentle, moving, needed reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.
When Ice’s mother tells her that they’re going to move to an exciting new place, Ice isn’t so sure. She likes her home and her friends, and the fun they have together. The journey takes forever, and their new home is very strange. Everything is different – the weather, the food, the people and the language. Ice tries to make friends, but everyone seems too busy and preoccupied to care.Will anything happen to help Ice feel more at home?A charming debut picture book about the anxieties and hardships of moving, with a heart-warming, positive ending.
Lars, the little polar bear who lives at the North Pole, is off on a new adventure. This time he’s been accidentally scooped up in a gigantic fishnet and is heading into port aboard a ship. How will he ever get home? Luckily, Lars isn’t the only four-feeted creature on board. Nemo, the ship’s cat, comes up with a plan to get Lars home that just might work.
Roly Poly - Roly Poly the polar bear gets a little brother he did not ask for, in this charming story about sibling rivalry and the bonds of family from the beloved picture book creators of Time for Bed, Mem Fox and Jane Dyer. Roly Poly the polar bear loves being an only child. His bed is only his. The fish he catches are only his. And he doesn’t have to share his toy walrus tooth with anyone. But then along comes baby Monty. Roly Poly did not ask for a little brother and he certainly does not want one now! What is Roly Poly to do when Monty starts making him share his bed and fish and walrus tooth?
Pete & Polos Big School Adventure - Despite Pete’s enthusiasm over the first day of school, Polo, the stuffed polar bear, is reluctant to attend until he learns how much fun school is and how welcome he and Pete are there.
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Books About Polar Bears and Science And Nature
Fall in love with this moving and magical picture book about a sweet, conscientious polar bear, the moon, and the special connection they share.
Illustrated with a classic feel and told with a refreshing voice, The Moon Keeper is a perfect bedtime story with gentle messages about friendship, impermanence, and nature that will appeal to fans of Kitten’s First Full Moon, Rabbit Moon, and Little Bear.
Emile, a very responsible polar bear, has a new job as moon keeper. He spends his evenings making sure the moon has everything it needs to shine its light over the night creatures.
Night after night he keeps watch over the moon—clearing away the clouds and telling the fruit bats to move along when they play too close.
Emile finds the moon nice to talk to in the stillness of the night. But what happens when the moon starts to change and slowly disappears? In a lovely and touching series of small investigations, consultations with neighbors, and a fair amount of worry, he learns that in life, things come and go—and it’s okay.
Zosienka’s debut as author-illustrator is the rare moon-themed picture book that shows the phases of the moon through brilliant childlike storytelling.
‘I hope it’s not too far away,’ says Red Knit Cap Girl. ‘Follow the light of the Moon,’ calls Owl. In this heartwarming follow-up to Naoko Stoop’s debut Red Knit Cap Girl, Red Knit Cap Girl meets a lost Polar Bear Cub. Determined to help him find his way home, to an Arctic land of ice and snow, Red Knit Cap Girl, White Bunny, and Polar Bear Cub set off on an unforgettable voyage. Gorgeously illustrated on wood grain, Red Knit Cap Girl’s curiosity, imagination, and joy will captivate the hearts of readers young and old. Simple prose and luminous pictures will remind readers that even small actions - such as recycling - can help to solve big world problems, in this inspiring story that celebrates friendship, bravery, and the importance of home.
Following on her gorgeous blue whale, Desmond’s polar bear is exquisitely rendered, magnificent, and precise, with wonderful storytelling too.
You're Snug With Me - At the start of winter, two bear cubs are born, deep in their den in the frozen north. “Mama, what lies beyond here?” they ask. “‘Above us is a land of ice and snow.” “What lies beyond the ice and snow?” they ask. “The ocean, full of ice from long ago.” And as they learn the secrets of the earth and their place in it, Mama Bear whispers, “You’re snug with me.”
Polar Bear's Story - In the frigid Arctic, a polar bear is born, with thick white fur to protect her from the cold. This engaging nonfiction picture book accompanies her as she plays, learns to hunt, grows up, and goes off on her own. Through beautiful art and a poetic, fact-filled story, younger children will learn about how these beautiful animals live, and the challenges they face because of climate change.
Polar Bear Night - A polar bear cub . . . A nighttime journey . . . A bedtime story of love and wonder. One keen, clear night, a polar bear cub wakes inside her warm den. Something in the moonlit stillness quietly beckons. What is it? The little cub sets out for the snow and sky and sea and ice, and the moon follows. So begins a magical journey through a starlit world filled with love and wonder. Soothing words and luminous pictures make this nighttime tale as comforting as a goodnight kiss.
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Books About Polar Bears and Arctic And Antarctic
Sophie is uninterested in writing a research report on polar bears until a polar bear named Olafur swoops her away to the Arctic, where she learns all about the playful bear’s habits and habitat, from glacier mice to Northern Lights.
Get ready for some serious science fun when the Friz takes the kids on a chilling adventure through the North Pole!
Hi, I’m Tim — one of the kids in Ms. Frizzle’s class. When Ms. Frizzle announced that we’d be studying the North Pole, I never thought it would lead us to the top of the world. I also never thought I’d get to see seals, caribou, musk oxen, and polar bears in person, but that was just the beginning. Find out all the bone-chilling facts of our Arctic adventure!
A lonely old woman adopts, cares for, and raises a polar bear as if he were her own son, until jealous villagers threaten the bear’s life, forcing him to leave his home and his “mother,” in a retelling of a traditional Inuit folktale.
Please Bring Balloons - Emma finds a note tucked into the saddle of a carousel polar bear asking her to bring balloons, and soon she is off on an amazing adventure.
Polar Opposites - Alex is a BIG polar bear. Zina is a tiny penguin. Alex lives in the Arctic. Zina lives in the Antarctic. Alex and Zina are polar opposites! They live on opposite sides of the world. Their personalities are very different, too. But they find a way to meet in the middle. Erik Brooks’s simple text and vibrant watercolor illustrations bring opposites to life in this lively look at two unusual best friends.
Where Do Polar Bears Live? - The Arctic might be a bit too chilly for humans to live there, but it is the perfect home for polar bears. But the earth is getting warmer and the ice is melting. Where will the polar bears live? How can we help protect their home? This is a Stage 2 Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series. Supports the Common Core Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
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