Little Polar Bear and the Submarine

An environmental theme runs through Lars the polar bear’s latest adventure. Temperatures are rising at the North Pole, and while splashing around in the warm water, Lars meets a dachshund from a research submarine. Lars learns that the vessel has rescued two cubs from an ice floe, and he offers to return the cubs to their parents. De Beer gives the bears a (mostly) happy ending, with a fox helping Lars and Co. get back to his parents (though the other bears will have to stay with them until spring). The lack of resolution may disappoint some readers. Ages 3–up. (Sept.)