Always by Your Side - by Jonny Lambert (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A tender, life-affirming picture book for children ages 3-7 about a polar bear cub who finds courage through the steady love of her mother.

In the frozen Far North, a polar bear and cub emerge from their den and set out on a long journey full of both perils and delights. The cub is at first apprehensive, but with the support of her mother, gains confidence. When their adventure is complete, the cub knows that she can do anything. A beautiful, optimistic and life-affirming story that reminds us that we can face any challenge when we know we are loved.

Review Quotes

A young polar bear learns to be brave. When the cub first peeks out of her den, the world outside feels overwhelming. But with her mother's gentle encouragement, she swims in icy water, dives below the surface, evades killer whales, and even briefly ventures out on her own. All along the way, the mother polar bear reminds her cub, "You can do anything...I'm right here beside you." Theirs is a world of wintry white, making all colors appear especially vibrant and bright by contrast. Tiny bits of grass and flowers are a visual surprise; another scene depicts the northern lights, spectacular across the night sky. The off-white color of the bears helps them stand out from the snow. Lambert makes excellent use of viewpoint, shadow, and layering, from a lovely bird's-eye view of the narrow waterways to the appearance of depth in the water. These compelling images will keep readers turning pages, following along with the polar bear cub's journey. The story's theme--that a parent's love is safe and empowering--is familiar but deeply reassuring and heartfelt, to little ones and their caregivers alike. Captivating images carry a sweet and loving message.--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Jonny Lambert grew up in Surrey, England, and always knew he wanted to be an artist of some sort. Encouraged by his art instructor at the Reigate School of Art and Design, Jonny is now an artist of many sorts: a talented illustrator with more than 300 titles to his name, designer, and paper engineer. He lives with his wife, daughter, and a menagerie of animals in West Sussex, England.

Jonny Lambert grew up in Surrey, England, and always knew he wanted to be an artist of some sort. Encouraged by his art instructor at the Reigate School of Art and Design, Jonny is now an artist of many sorts: a talented illustrator with more than 300 titles to his name, designer, and paper engineer. He lives with his wife, daughter, and a menagerie of animals in West Sussex, England.