Because of climate change, sea ice now melts earlier in the spring and forms later in the autumn, so hungry bears must find a way to survive until the ice appears and they can hunt for seals. This take on the animals’ plight stands out due to Gorman’s amazing photographs. The bears aren’t white, but brown “from lying around in the sand.” At times, they look close enough to pet, although Gorman, who’s previously covered the Arctic, clearly knows better. In his fetching images, the animals sometimes even seem to be posing. Against a background of rocks and driftwood on a desolate beach, two cubs entertain themselves, playing with sticks and seaweed and roughhousing as their exhausted mother naps. Finally, several mothers and cubs swim to a nearby island, where the Iñupiat villagers have left the remnants of their fall whale hunt. Scraps of food remain, and the bones make a giant jungle gym for the cubs to climb. With snow comes a new way to play as the youngsters romp and cavort. Once the sea freezes over, the animals can hunt again. Gorman employs a light touch, emphasizing the juvenile bears’ love of play rather than their hunger; still, the impact of global warming comes through. Youngsters will be moved by these creatures’ predicament; caregivers should consult the backmatter, which offers guidance on discussing the topic.
