"POLAR BEAR
Ursus maritimus
Polar bears are the largest bears on
Earth. They live in the Arctic in a harsh
environment for which they've developed
many specialized skills. Adult polar
bears can track scents up to twenty
miles away. They are excellent
swimmers and dancers."
This is a story about New York, ballet, friendship, fantasy, kindness and a love of the arts. It is almost entirely wordless, and begins with a gorgeous gatefold. What an invitation to readers! A young ballerina dances in front of the polar bear exhibit at Central Park Zoo. Open it up to a promotional photo shoot of young dancers, (the most notable of the five wearing a flowing red scarf), showing their ballet skills while musicians play on one side of the spread and ballet staff watch over the girls from the other side. The polar bear is a fascinated observer from behind the glass.
The girl with the scarf and the bear are equally interested in each other. As the girl changes shoes and prepares to leave, the polar patiently watches her every move. As she departs, the scarf slips to the ground. When the enclosure clears, the bear makes its way over the fence, and finds the scarf. Off it goes to return it to the scarf's owner. A trek through the city causes disruptions and constant chronicling from people and their phones.
Entrance to Lincoln Center is prohibited for polar bears. Hearing a loud roar, the young dancer comes to the bear's rescue. She takes her scarf from the bear, and offers a seat for the performance. The bear is an enchanted attendee. In the end, the ballerina gifts the scarf, and the bear takes its leave to return to the zoo where it dreams of the two dancing together. No words needed.
The four colors of oil paint chosen to tell this emotional wordless story are spectacular. Front endpapers provide 'fun facts' about the polar bear while, at the back, readers can read a short article about the soloist in this year's production of The Polar Bear and the Ballerina. BRAVO!
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