Nanook and the Melting Arctic is Ryan Mizzen’s second book in the Time to Care series. This sweet picture book follows polar bear Nanook as he journeys to hold someone accountable for climate change and spur some much needed changes.

This book has a sweet rhyme scheme that kids will love, paired with cute illustrations that make these big concept ideas about climate change accessible.

I love how the very real problems the arctic is facing are portrayed through how it is affecting animal habitats, showing young readers and their caregivers how we’re already seeing the repercussions of unmitigated climate change. As a sensitive parent to sensitive kids, I was also grateful that though we see the dangers, no animals are hurt in the story.

My favorite part of the book might just be those who Nanook travels to confront. World leaders and big business can have the most profound impact on climate change, and that’s who most needs to be taking it seriously. Seeing Nanook confront big business and world leaders is satisfying, and I love that the onus is on the big businesses and not just everyday people. We can recycle and compost our hearts out, but if major suppliers and governments aren’t doing the same, we’ll barely make a dent in the problem.

Nanook and the Melting Arctic is a sweet story to expose kids to ecological issues in a relatable and tangible way, all without placing blame on them or their families.

Thank you to author Ryan Mizzen for reaching out and offering me a glimpse into Nanook’s world such that I could write this honest review.