Let it snow
It has taken a couple of months for me to get around to reading this one, but at least it is still seasonal. It is also one of the most delightfully enchanting books for the younger end of the MG range that I have come across in quite a while. I am even tempted to call it a 'magic fantasy'; it is most certainly fanciful and does involve some magic too. However, it contains a whole sled full of other things as well.
Not as we snow it
The book's core scenario involves polar exploration during a pseudo-historical period which, in its 'gentlemen's club' ethos at least, most closely resembles the Edwardian era. However the 'Icelands' to which the expedition goes adventuring are not at all as we know them. They are apparently inhabited not only by polar bears and penguins (reasonably predictable, if geographically impossible), and sledge-pulling wolves (credible if unusual) but also yetis (found in folklore at least) and then creatures such as malevolent frost fairies and aggressive cabbages (totally fanciful). The story also involves, amongst many other disparate elements, a somewhat ineffectual young magican, a boy who can speak to wolves, an incorporate shadow animal, living miniature dinosaurs and a snow queen's palace. It even features unicorns whose favourite diet appears to be iced gem biscuits - particularly the pink ones. In short the imaginative invention here is whimsical to say the least, occasionally even 'twee'. (Pink iced gems indeed!)
In fact, such an eclectic mix of ingredients could, and probably should, stretch credibility beyond even a willing suspension of disbelief. However, in this instance, it works delightfully. And it does so for one simple reason. The clever author never even attempts to explain or justify this bizarre world; her characters just accept it all as a matter of course, and consequently so do we as readers.
The storyline is brimful of exciting action which, like a young readers' version of Indiana Jones, propels the reader from one cliffhanging thrill to the next. Yet this is not, for me, the main thing that makes the book such a fine and worthwhile one. It is rather its wonderful cast of young protagonists (and one older one too) who are the making of it. Their rich characters and developing relationships just leap off the page. They are not only touching and heartwarming but also embody profound and important messages for life.
Snow persons
Its four lead children constitute the beating the heart of this book. The tale may have elements of fairy story, but its main character, feisty young Stella, is most certainly not going to turn into any sort of fairy tale princess. Her determination to prove herself in a world dominated by male chauvinism sets a glowing example at the same time as it raises hackles that such thinking should exist in the first place.
Her friend Beanie clearly has personality traits which today would be identified as placing him 'on the autistic spectrum'. It is, however, to the author's credit that he is never restrictively labelled. Although it is made clear that he has suffeed bullying from other children as a result of his behaviours, the attitude consistently and strongly promoted through the book is very much that is 'good to be different'. Beanie comes to be accepted and valued by his fellow explorers precisely for who he is, and this provides another wonderful model for young readers.
Wolf-whisperer, Shay, is the most overtly caring of the four, as might possibly be expected from one so close to animals. However, Ethan, the final member of the little group, is far from being an easy person to get along with. But here again it is the way the others come to understand why he is as he is, and to accept him for who he is, that carries such an important message.
And then there is Felix, Stella's beloved adopted father. In his wisdom and kindness, he is the adult largely responsible for inculcating attitudes of caring inclusivity in the next generation. Our world needs more like him.
The ice(ing) on the cake
Alex Bell's book is an example of what I would call 'Enid Blyton for the 21st Century'. It is far better written than its populist predecessor and much more imaginative. But it has that same feeling of thrilling adventure wrapped in a cosy blanket of easy, escapist reading. It focuses on a group of children with whom readers can readily identify and on the forging of friendship through shared experience.In Alex Bell's book, however, this is underpinned by mutual understanding of what each of them has been through, and consequently acceptance of who they are. What they learn about valuing difference, rather than fearing or despising it, appreciating the contribution that each individual can make, provides a wonderful model for today's young readers. The Polar Bear Explorer's Club is about friendship in its fullest and most glorious sense. It is an excellent example of how fantasy stories can help children learn about important things in their own lives just as powerfully as more 'realistic', issues-based stories.
Had I read this book before a Christmas, rather than after, there is a very good chance I would have included it with my 'Books of the Year' (see post from Dec). I think we need more high quality fantasy stories for this age group to balance the plethora of zany comedy that can rather dominate the market, in the UK at least. Combining important messages with exciting action and engaging protagonists, this would make an excellent read-aloud for teachers of younger KS2, as well as being highly recommendable to children directly. Its subtle promotion of humane and inclusive attitudes is particularly welcome, as is its strong support for 'rebel girls'.
The beautifully produced book book is very considerably enhanced by Tomislav Tomic's outstanding double-spread, greyscale illustrations.
