Welcome

by Barroux

Overview

Three lost polar bears search for a new home in this timely book from award-winning French illustrator Barroux.

Life is quiet and peaceful on the ice for three polar bears, until, "CRACK!" The ice breaks, and they drift away. The sea is dangerous, so they need to search for a new home. Then, the polar bears see it . . . Land! They're saved! But the cows there think they are too furry, bearish, and tall, so they don't let them live there. The panda says there's no room on his island (though there clearly is!), and the giraffes pretend not to hear. All the while, their ice floe is getting smaller and smaller until they come to an empty island. A new home, all to themselves! That is, until three lost monkeys who are looking for a new home come along. The bears think about it, and say that they are welcome!

Barroux's beautiful story was inspired by the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and promotes inclusiveness and welcomeness for children!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781499804447
Publisher:	little bee books
Publication date:	10/18/2016
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,133,974
Product dimensions:	9.70(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Barroux studied photography, art, sculpture, and architecture in France at the famous École Estienne and École Boule. He went on to work as an art director in Paris and Montreal. While in Montreal, Barroux began illustrating by creating linocut images, and he is now well known for his children's book illustrations, including Starfish, Where Are You? (Summer 2016).

Editorial Reviews

The story is simply and eloquently told. The illustrations are bright and accessible, with thick brush strokes and whimsical, big square snouts on the polar bears. Although the story in Welcome mirrors the current refugee crisis, it could also be relevant to a child starting a new school or trying to find a place to fit in.

The New York Times Book Review - Deborah Ellis

There is a happy ending, one that offers a sense of joy and satisfaction...because it’s clear the bears had the ability to choose how they wanted to be, and they chose to be kind...Relevant to a child starting a new school or trying to find a place to fit in.”­—The New York Times Book Review

From the Publisher

11/01/2016
PreS-Gr 1—When a piece of ice breaks away from a glacier, three polar bears find themselves at sea and without resources. They drift for a long while and then go from island to island, asking for help, but the inhabitants are not accommodating. The cows tell them they are too furry to stay. The panda bear gives the excuse of "not enough room," and the walled-in giraffes are too busy to invite them in. The polar bears' desperation increases as their piece of ice decreases. But when the friends drift onto the shore of their new home, they are not alone for long. A raft arrives full of monkeys looking for help, too. Will they be turned away or welcomed? This simple story line was inspired by the ongoing refugee crisis. It is accessible and appealing to very young children, and the charming animal characters and humorous touches mitigate the danger and frightening aspects of the situation. VERDICT This modern fable works as an engaging read-aloud and discussion starter for anyone looking to build community.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta.

School Library Journal

Aug. 30, 2016
Polar bears find refuge on a tropical island paradise.Three polar bear friends find themselves adrift on the “big blue ocean” when their ice-floe home cracks apart. Initially unconcerned, they entertain themselves, but then night comes and they grow worried. Spotting land, they ask the three Holsteins on the island if they can come ashore but are turned away—they are “too bear-ish.” Still at sea, with their bit of ice growing smaller, they encounter another island inhabited by a single panda. The panda does not want them either; the island will be too crowded with three more critters. Tea-drinking giraffes reject their pleas also. At last, they encounter an empty island where they can lounge and play games. And when a boatload of monkeys sails by, the polar bears bid them “WELCOME!” Barroux’s tale is perhaps meant to send a caution about global warming, but the message falls short with the antics of the animals. Finally finding a home after what is supposed to be a catastrophe and then playing ball and sunbathing just does not flow properly. The colorful, full-bleed art features bears and giraffes with stylized, oddly shaped snouts; the panda’s and the monkeys’ faces look startlingly puglike in contrast. Refugees forced to find a new home—sadly, an always timely subject—deserve better storytelling than this. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Review