Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
I always expect great stories from Susan Fletcher and was not disappointed with Journey of the Pale Bear (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2018), although I didn’t think the prologue was necessary.
The story starts in spring of 1252 in Norway, when young hungry Arthur steals a rabbit haunch. The runaway gets shoved into a cage with an ice bear and squeezes out safely after giving the rabbit to the bear. This experience causes Arthur to be drafted to take care of the deadly bear on a ship to England. Arthur wants to reach his father’s people in Wales, so despite his fear of the bear, he agrees. But many dangers await the boy.
The book is an SCBWI Golden Kite honor book. Read about the author here and all her books here. I love, love her dragon series.
I enjoyed this story so much. A little history, along with a lot of mystery and adventure. Perfect set up for a read aloud. Thanks for featuring.
Wow, this sounds like an excellent adventure. Haven’t heard of it before, but I’m interested.
I haven’t read this but it has beenon my TBR list for awhile. I will have to get to it. Thanks for the review.
Prologues have their fans and detractors. I love short prologues that set the stage and make me want to read more. Unlike first chapters, which may do the same, prologue is a tantalizing bit of “back matter.”
I always enjoy a good Susan Fletcher story… and have yet to read this one. Thanks for sharing it. And yes – Dragons!