There is something about children’s books that allows a creative flair and licence to break the rules that isn’t always allowed in adult fiction. “The Last Bear” is no exception. It has won awards and topped the charts since its release in 2021. In just a few short pages, you will see why.
Hannah Gold interweaves the relationships between father and daughter, people and planet, past and present, rural and urban, and humans and animals with aplomb. A story about a father and daughter who visit the Artic Circle to conduct research, this book is much more: a metaphor for the sorrow we all carry for the decline in the natural world, an instruction not to miss the human and animal stories that play out under our noses every day, and a wild adventure inviting us to explore and connect with the vast expanses of nature.
The innocence of a child’s view of the world is the perfect canvas to ask some pointed questions about our current ways of living. Is the daily grind worth missing out on, especially being fully present when raising our children? Nature is magnificent—fauna, flora, and interconnectedness support our health and well-being. Have we the time, the empathy, and the healing power to restore it? What can we learn from the animal world if we stop and listen?
If you have children, read this with them. If you don’t, read this with a mug of tea and enjoy the Autumn embrace. Take time to notice the change in season, the different lights, and the sights and smells of autumn. Take that brisk walk, notice the birds overhead, and call that friend or relative that popped into your mind. Nurture the relationships with your friends, family, community and local green and blue spaces. Put down the device and pick up another book straight after this one.
