The adventures of Duane the polar bear and his arctic friends continue in this charming sequel to the modern-day classic The Very, Very Far North, which Booklist compared to Winnie the Pooh in a starred review.
Past the place where icebergs shiver, you will find the Very, Very Far North, where Duane and his friends are sure to make you feel right at home. You might like to share a delicious Snow Delight with warmhearted Duane. While you’re slurping away, if C.C. suddenly asks you where you’ve come from, it’s not because she’s nosy; she is simply gathering scientific data. If Handsome, the musk ox, pays a visit, a quick hair combing is highly recommended. Should you notice a quiet caribou grazing nearby, well, that’s just Boo’s way of saying hello.
And if a less-than-friendly visitor arrives to sneak, shove, and shake things up, Duane and the others might discover that life isn’t always as peaceful as mid-late-afternoon nap. Fortunately, they know that change is as much a part of life as picnics and Tuesdays and cozy stories shared among friends.
Shortlisted for the 2021 BC and Yukon Book Prize!
“As with The Very, Very Far North, Just Beyond is one of those books you will not put down. Each story is as humorous and memorable as the last.”
Kid Lit Reviews, 2020
“The adorable charcoal illustrations rendered by Kelly Pousette are another welcome element consistent with the initial publication. As before, these drawings imbue the work with the feeling of a modern classic.
Just like The Very, Very Far North, its sequel, Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North, will also make a wonderful gift.”
Recommended
Canadian Review of Materials, Dec. 18, 2020
“This tale between ice and snow is anything but cold as friendship and adventure offer tons of warmth. … The story is written with heart but also with humor and plenty of lessons for young readers.”
Bookworm for Kids, Sept. 28, 2020
“First, let me start by saying that this book has evoked so many feelings in me that I am hard-pressed to believe I can possibly be objective in this review. That said, I am still a bag of emotions after reading this very well-written sequel. … There is a LOT of growing up in this book that only people who are growing up or who have grown up a bit (I mean, who stops really?) will recognize. Difficult conversations, decisions and even acts of relationship bravery take center stage at the climax of this book.”
Alexa Loves Books, Oct 9, 2020
Dan Bar-el 