J.R. Poulter (text), Musa Ulasowski (illus.), Getting Home, Word Wings for Kids, Oct 2016, 128pp., $23.95 (hbk), ISBN 9781925484434
Getting Home is the collaborative work between author J.R. Poulter and award-winning illustrator/ graphic designer Muza Ulasowski. It tells the tale of a baby polar bear who has ventured out onto a melting ice pack alone. Distracted by the orcas chasing the seals, the little bear does not heed Mama bear’s warnings or listen to his brother Gunar and best friend Nanuk’s advice to “Run!” and now he is cold and frightened, adrift in the misty darkness. Will Mama bear find him before it’s too late?
Musa Ulasowski uses detailed digital, almost photographic images to bring the simple text to life, giving the realistic polar bears expressive features and thick, almost touchable fur. A variety of other Arctic creatures frolic on the freezing ice and in the darkly painted water, something young wildlife enthusiasts will really enjoy looking at.
The author tells the story from baby bear’s point of view, making his fear and uncertainty at being separated from his family very clear to the reader. She uses different font sizes for emphasis and a range of illustrated onomatopoeia for young readers to enjoy as part of the reading experience.
This book could be used to explore feelings surrounding separation anxiety, taking risks and the consequences of not listening to our parents and teachers or to look into the wider issues of global warming and caring for our planet. This title will be best suited to early years, lower primary children who naturally show a love and interest for the natural world.
Reviewed by Lisa Hoad