KNUT

Young children will indeed be captivated by this tale of a baby polar bear raised by a zookeeper in the Zoo Berlin, but it is the adorable cuddly bear in the photographs that they will fall in love with. Born in December 2006, Knut was adopted by Thomas Dörflein when Knut’s mother showed little interest in raising her cub. This is the story of how Dörflein took care of Knut—his feedings and sleeping, teething, playing and learning how to be a polar bear. When the zoo finally determined that Knut was old enough for public appearances, his first foray into the limelight was met by hundreds of reporters, cameras and adoring fans. His tale alerted the public to the plight of wild polar bears, whose habitat is shrinking because of global warming. Backmatter includes more information about polar bears and the threat to their survival, as well as a short list of ways children can help alleviate the effects of global warming. Teachers will enjoy sharing the co-authors’ ages with their writing students (eight and twelve). A great way to raise children’s awareness, this is sure to be a favorite with young animal-lovers. (Nonfiction. 5-10)