Summary

All is quiet at the North Pole when Lars, the Little Polar Bear, hears a faint whimper. He finds and rescues Hugo, a scared little hare, who has fallen into a hole in the ice. The two share an adventurous day -- running races, getting lost in a snowstorm, visiting a polar research station. Lars teases Hugo for being so timid, calling him a scaredyhare."" But when Lars lands himself in trouble, Hugo shows just how brave he can be. By the time they get back home, Lars has made a lifelong friend and learned what it's like to be afraid.

Originally published as an easy-to-read book, this charming story of bravery and friendship is newly adapted into a picture book for younger children to enjoy.

School Library Journal Review

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's ``Frog 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.