Rebecca Green (1) (1986–)

A story of a polar bear born in Norway, and given to Henry III, King of England, when it was full grown. The illustrations are stunning, and the story is touching. Records indicate that a bear (perhaps a polar bear which was indigenous to Norway,) was indeed given to Henry III for the menagerie at the Tower of London. A cage containing the bear who was muzzled and chained on board the deck of the ship. Tempest tossed, no doubt sick, the bear had a tumultous journey from Norway to England.

After arrival, a huge chain was used to tether the bear to the Thames river so it could fish. Interestingly, the records also show a purchase of a thick wrap for the bear's keeper to go into the water with the bear. Normally polar bears eat seals, and not fish. But, there were no seals in the Thames river. Huge polar bears would not survive on fish as an inordinate amount would need to be consumed to sustain the bear.

The author does a wonderful job of painting a calm, beautiful life then disturbed by those who traveled on a sailing ship to capture the bear and taken via the ship back to England.

I very much enjoyed the suppliment at the end of the book that gives a brief history of the tower menagerie and the records that still exist of showing the menagerie contained camels, lions, leopards originally on the property of Henry's great-grandfather who then transported them to the Tower of London in 1252.

History also shows the menagerie was closed in the 19th century and placed in new homes (not named in the book.) Today, if you visit the tower, you can see a sculputure of King Henry III's bear at the place he/she spent their life.

Four and 1/2 Stars… (meer)

I have mixed feelings about this particular title. The book itself isn't new - it has been around since 2017, and was clearly popular enough to warrant a paperback run now in 2022. The illustrations are perfect - they're very well-done and true to the style. I think the premise of this book is just not for me - I'm not super into spooky things, I'm not super into ghosts, and I'm a little bit worried that children are so literal that they might not really "get" this book. On the other hand, it takes all kinds to make a world, and I know lots of children who come to my library who would love a book like this, who love ghosts and spooky things, and who wouldn't be scared at all to think about having a ghost for a friend. So overall, it's a very cute book, it's very well-done, and I'd recommend it for most general collections. Whether or not it's right for you and the kids in your life depends on how cute they think ghosties can be!… (meer)