Written and Illustrated by Matt Tavares
A few nights before Christmas Eve, Dasher is out exploring and stops to enjoy the northern lights. She has the pleasure of meeting a polar bear. Polar bear is fascinated that Dasher can fly. She tries to teach him to fly, but to no avail. Later, Dasher asks her mom why Christmas magic does not work on polar bears. A wise mom answers, “Christmas magic isn’t the same for everyone and sometimes it works in unexpected ways.” In this story of friendship, both polar bear and Dasher learn what it means to never give up hope in something worth believing in.
This is the third in the gorgeously illustrated Dasher series. The illustrations capture the cold beauty of the north pole region with intricate detail down to the characters’ hairs and excitement in their eyes. Make sure to add this to your seasonal read aloud line up.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in December 2025
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades PreK-3
Dasher and the Polar Bear
Written and Illustrated by Matt Tavares
Candlewick Press
40 pages
Release Date: September 30, 2025
ISBN: 9781536236316
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
