Although the book doesn’t come out until February, a positive pre-launch report from Kirkus Reviews in their December issue, now online.

“Several gentle adventures relayed by an opinionated unnamed narrator comprise this third and final stand-alone entry in Bar-el’s series about Arctic friends.

The introductions of two strangers bookend the tale: An adventuring penguin passes through for a brief visit from Very, Very Far South, and a “Duane in miniature,” who’s dubbed Echo, makes the older polar bear feel like a big brother. The author weaves themes of self-awareness and growth into the amusing vignettes. When prankster arctic fox Magic experiments with fame-seeking, assisted by vain musk ox Handsome who becomes her sycophantic publicist, Duane recognizes that these efforts are divisive and causing others misery. Duane plays detective when someone engages in distressing pranks (Magic admits, “Even I’m surprised it’s not me”). Duane’s thrilling team-building activity helps repair relationships among his human friend Sun Girl’s sled dog team. Later, the polar bear’s cave becomes a refuge when Twitch the arctic hare falls sick. Even a rude, cranky weasel turns out to be more complex than Duane realized. Finally, Duane and Echo host a party that feels like a perfect farewell. The narrator’s observations contribute humor and add spice to Duane’s inherent sweetness. Pousette’s playful charcoal and digital illustrations add lively touches. …

A comforting read with thoughtful meditations on friendship, told in sophisticated language.”