Little Polar Bear and the Brave Little Hare
Grade 2-4-- Set at the North Pole, this is a gentle beginning reader about Lars, a polar bear who comes upon a little hare in need of rescue. Hugo has somehow gotten himself stranded at the bottom of a deep hole. Lars kicks down a pile of snow that allows Hugo to climb out, and together the new friends set off to find Hugo's home. When they spot a car (with caterpillarlike "wheels"), they know that they are near the research station. The two of them explore and Lars soon finds himself inside, having fallen through a hole in the roof. It is now Lars's turn to be rescued, and the pair become life-long friends. Other than the snowy terrain, the story could take place anywhere, and this friendship is not unlike that of Lobel's "Frog and Toad" (HarperCollins). The softly colored illustrations will help readers comprehend the plot and the story's fast-moving action. Those who have emerged from the decoding stage will find this predictable story just right for reinforcing their reading skills. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IACopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.