I tried to put as much of my own emotion as possible into the book so I could capture that unique bond that exists between child and animal and I hope it inspires children (and grown ups) to realise wild animals need our love and protection just as much as our pets do. The Last Bear is inspired by my deep love of animals and so I would definitely say my pets inspire me. Grem loves treats, fuss and curling up in front of a hot fire.Īrthur likes sunshine, dandelion leaves and climbing.ĭo your pets help or hinder your writing? In what way? What is a home without a pet?! It’s an empty one. I just love the warmth and comfort they bring us, how they each have their own unique personalities and how unconditional their love is.

'The Last Bear is primarily a story of friendship' She is now 16 and still just as sprightly. Grem was a 3-day old kitten abandoned in a rural farm in Spain and of no particular breed. I have a pet cat called Grem (because when she was a kitten she looked exactly like a gremlin!) and a tortoise who goes by the name of Arthur. A magical, confidently told story – with beautiful illustrations by Levi Pinfold. The Last Bear is a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for our world and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear’s. This moving story will win the hearts of children the world over and show them that no one is too young or insignificant to make a difference. Determined to save him, April begins the most important journey of her life… He is starving, lonely and a long way from home. But one endless summer night, April meets one. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months. There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable.” Michael Morpurgo.

“This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2022 SHORTLISTED FOR CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2022 WINNER OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE Imagine making friends with a polar bear… The Last Bear is perfect for readers of 8+, beautifully illustrated throughout by Levi Pinfold – winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and illustrator of Harry Potter 20th anniversary edition covers.

Hannah gold the last bear