In Welcome, three polar bears find themselves drifting alone on a piece of ice. They float further and further away from their home and everything that is familiar to them.
Isolated in the middle of the ocean, the polar bears find activities to occupy themselves, playing games like I Spy, but sometimes the experience of trying to find a new home is overwhelming and scary.
When the polar bears finally reach land, they are met by cows who tell them they are too tall, furry and ‘bearish’ to live with them, and turn them away.
The polar bears continue their search, encountering other animals like pandas and giraffes. No one is willing to welcome them.
Just as they are about to give up their search, the polar bears sight land again. This time it’s uninhabited and they make their home on a comfortable new island. Then one day, a boat of monkeys arrives at the island and they tell the polar bears they are looking for a new home.
The polar bears welcome the monkeys with open arms.
Welcome is created by author and illustrator Barroux. He has lived in several different countries, and in this story, with highly relevant themes, he shares a powerful message.
Title: Welcome
Author/Illustrator: Barroux
Publisher: Egmont, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2016
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978140528053
For ages: 4 - 8 years
Type: Picture Book
