Horn Book (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

In his fifth adventure, polar bear Lars rescues Hugo the hare from a deep hole and together they get lost in a snowstorm. When they find the polar research station, they think they're safe, but Lars gets trapped inside, and it's up to "scaredy-hare" Hugo to be the rescuer. This gentle story of friendship is filled with the engaging illustrations that have won Little Polar Bear so many fans.

Kirkus Reviews

Little Polar Bear And The Brave Little Hare (32 pp.; $15.95; PLB $15.88; Nov. 1; 0-7358-1011-7; PLB 0- 7358-1012-5): Lars (Little Polar Bear, Take Me Home!, 1996, etc.) gains a new friend in his latest adventure. In his trademark pink, purple, and blue pastel-colored arctic landscape, Lars saves Hugo, a nervous hare, from a hole. As fast friends they race, get caught in a storm, snuggle up against one another for warmth, share a picnic, and find their way home, but not before Hugo gets to show his own courage by getting Lars out of a jam. Such teamwork and fond friendship will win readers' hearts while the falling snow and expressive faces will dazzle their eyes. (Picture book. 4-7)

School Library Journal (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 2-4-- Set at the North Pole, this is a gentle beginning reader about Lars, a polar bear who comes upon a little hare in need of rescue. Hugo has somehow gotten himself stranded at the bottom of a deep hole. Lars kicks down a pile of snow that allows Hugo to climb out, and together the new friends set off to find Hugo's home. When they spot a car (with caterpillarlike wheels''), they know that they are near the research station. The two of them explore and Lars soon finds himself inside, having fallen through a hole in the roof. It is now Lars's turn to be rescued, and the pair become life-long friends. Other than the snowy terrain, the story could take place anywhere, and this friendship is not unlike that of Lobel'sFrog and Toad'' (HarperCollins). The softly colored illustrations will help readers comprehend the plot and the story's fast-moving action. Those who have emerged from the decoding stage will find this predictable story just right for reinforcing their reading skills. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IA