Review: The Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el

An inquisitive polar bear named Duane befriends an array of animals as he discovers where he belongs in this charming classic-in-the-making that’s reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh.

 In the Very, Very Far North, past the Cold, Cold Ocean and just below the hill that looks like a baby whale, you’ll find Duane and his friends.

 Duane is a sweet and curious young bear who makes friends with everyone he meets—whether they’re bossy, like Major Puff the puffin, or a bit vain, like Handsome the musk ox, or very, very shy, like Boo the caribou. For these arctic friends, every day is a new adventure!

Kindle Edition, 272 pages 

Published September 3rd, 2019 

by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

****

This is a charming middle-grade chapter book. Some say it reminds them of Winnie the Pooh but that didn’t even cross my mind.

Duane the polar bear is a curious fellow and likes a good adventure. He meets and makes friends with a wide range of characters when living in the far far north. Each of these new friends is kinda quirky with their individual traits that added much to this book.

Kelly Pousette is the illustrator and did a great job. With each chapter reading like a mini-story it’s a fun read even for this adult.

My thanks to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.