Todos los helados del mundo

Gr 1--3--This tale about how a tiny polar bear that gets separated from his mother on an ice floe is a must-have. The brave cub seeks out help in a large city, but adult humans are too busy to pitch in. Wandering alone, without a plan, the cub begins to lose hope when a little girl appears with an ice cream cone in hand, and their adventure begins. Other children band together to help the bear cub and, slowly, a large group comes to the port side of town with all the ice cream they can carry--"¡todos los helados del mundo!" Together, the townspeople build a beautifully illustrated iceberg so their bear cub friend can return to the Arctic. As it waves goodbye, happy to be headed home to its mother, the polar bear cub reflects on the help it got from humans. Standing a little taller than before, the cub hopes that all people will do the same to save the Arctic--and the rest of our home. The painterly renderings are breathtaking, with lovely blues and whites of the Arctic and pinks, blues, and greens of the bustling city. The lyrical text is engaging and kid friendly. VERDICT The sensitive topic of climate change is wonderfully addressed through the eyes of a young polar bear who befriends children who come to its aid. A wonderful selection for Spanish-language picture book shelves.--Sharon Sherman