The Quest of the Cubs (Bears of the Ice # 1)

Gr 4-6--Fans of the "Guardian of Ga'Hoole" series and Erin Hunter's books will love this cast of complex characters who embark on the adventure of a lifetime. First and Second are unnamed polar bear cubs traveling the treacherous icy lands of their Northern Kingdom to find their father after their mother has suspiciously left them with an evil family member. While escaping violence, the cubs witness the danger, sadness, and trauma of life alone as a group of power-hungry bears seize control of their land and fill it with dread and gloom. Their journey leads them down a path of self-discovery as they begin to accept their similarities and trust their differences. They meet a variety of colorful characters along their journey who all use storytelling and tales of past generations to help share wisdom and guidance. The text is rich and blends fantasy with a realistic setting. This entry ends on a cliff-hanger. VERDICT A series opener that promises to deliver action and adventure. Great for children who enjoy reading anthropomorphized animal adventures.--Christina Pesiri, Michael F. Stokes Elementary, Island Trees-Levittown NY