A child living in the Arctic learns that a mother's love is unconditional A child living in the Arctic learns that a mother's love is unconditional. On board pages. A child living in the Arctic learns that a mother's love is unconditional.

In an alternative world in which every human being is accompanied by an animal familiar, the disappearance of several children prompts Lyra and her bear protector to undertake a journey to the frozen Arctic in pursuit of kidnappers.

"There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that's what April's father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost for six months. But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn't be there--who is hungry, lonely, and a long way from home. As their unlikely bond grows, April is determined to save her new friend--and so begins...