Book Review of Emma, Polar Bear
Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
Emma, Polar Bear
Written by Daniel J. Blough
Illustrated by Stella Maris Mongodi
Ages: 4-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Bluebird Lane Publishing Company (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9917267-1-9
What to Expect: Adventure, imagination, exploration, the arctic.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers will join Emma on an adventure of the imagination as she makes her way through her morning.
When Emma, the young polar bear, wakes up, she’s ready for a delicious breakfast of berries, seaweed, and fish—but first she’ll have to travel across the treacherous Arctic landscape to reach the breakfast table! Undeterred by the challenges ahead, she creeps carefully through a glacier pass, climbs a slippery slope of ice, and hops over deep crevasses. She wrestles a fierce walrus with sharp tusks threatening to eat her breakfast, and sends him packing, only to discover her breakfast is not delicious fish after all, but … pancakes? Then it’s time for Emma to take off her polar bear costume and remember that she’s a human—and humans LOVE pancakes!
Emma is a playful and energetic main character, making her the ideal companion for readers as they join her on her quest across the (pretend) Arctic. The text is delivered in short, simple rhyming lines, full of alliteration and onomatopoeia, making them perfect for reciting and memorizing. As the artwork zooms out, zooms in, and changes direction to mimic Emma’s changing perspective and motion, the text also travels dynamically across the page, adjusting in size and direction to help readers feel immersed in the journey.
The surprise ending is sure to inspire waves of giggles and spark readers’ own forays into make-believe.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Daniel J. Blough
About the Illustrator
Stella Maris Mongodi
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Emma, Polar Bear. Learn more about getting a book review …
1 Comment
Hi Daniel,
I run the Books & Banter Book Club in Washington, DC, a warm and engaging community where readers gather each month to delve into books that inspire meaningful conversation. Our sessions are thoughtfully structured: members vote on upcoming titles, come prepared, and contribute to lively, insightful discussions.
We’d love the opportunity to spotlight your work at one of our upcoming meetings. Our feature sessions are designed to introduce members to selected books and spark thoughtful dialogue, with everything managed by our dedicated team and readers.
Books & Banter has earned a reputation for being an invested and supportive group, and we make sure every chosen title receives genuine attention and rich discussion.
Would you be open to a short chat about featuring your book in the coming weeks?
Warmly,
Andy