A dot in the snow

A little polar bear, Miki, wanders away while his mother is diving for fish.

He sees a dot in the snow and rushes towards it. Readers discover that the dot is a little girl. But Miki has never seen a human before and the little girl has never seen a polar bear.

They discover more about each other as they play in the snow but then the perils of the polar landscape impel Miki to take the little girl home before undertaking the long journey to find his own mother. Although one is a polar bear and one is a little girl, Miki and Dot share a common experience: they are both separated from their mothers when they meet.

Their bond of friendship gives them the strength to support each other during the course of a day that will last with them both forever.

This is amoving and poignant story set in a changing and challenging polar landscape, perfect for the Christmas season.

It wraps up important themes about empathy, kindness, and courage.

The story is both simply told and affecting. The gorgeous snowscapes, full of real atmosphere, are created with printmaking techniques by illustrator Fiona Woodcock.