Hannah Gold might have only published her first book (The Last Bear) in 2021, but she has quickly become established as one of the most recognised children’s authors. Her first four titles have helped her to carve out a niche in the children’s book space, where she explores the plight of different species of animals around the world, while also linking in some heavier human themes which are rarely explored in children’s literature, e.g. IVF, young carers and the loss of a parent. Her ability to handle these themes with such a sensitive touch and in a way which wouldn’t overwhelm young readers, is a stroke of literary genius.
In The Lost Whale, Hannah’s second book, the main character, Rio, who is determined to help a grey whale, has the question posed to them: ‘what can one girl do?’ This message, that the actions of each individual are of huge importance and all add up to make a positive difference to the natural world, is one that is reinforced in each of Hannah’s works.
The importance of these books shouldn’t be underestimated as they not only help a new generation of readers to fall in love with reading but, at Spy Readers, we are convinced they will be referenced as the source of inspiration for countless adults in future years, who have gone on to become marine biologists, vets, animal charity workers… the list goes on. These stories will plant a seed in the hearts and minds of so many young readers all over the world, it’s impossible to foresee anything but a positive impact.
Hannah Gold Books:
- The Last Bear (2021)
- The Lost Whale (2022)
- Finding Bear (2024)
- Turtle Moon (2024)
An In-Depth Look At Hannah Gold’s Books
1. The Last Bear
This is one of those stories that, as soon as you close the book after reading the final page, you know will never leave you. Hannah Gold has somehow not only managed to create the most amazing story, but also gently persuade the reader to question what they could do to help fight against climate change.
This is the perfect book for any child (8+) who is passionate about the environment and caring for wildlife. Just be aware that it is likely to supercharge their passion!
Book Themes: conservation, environment, animals, friendship, polar bears, single parent (mother has died), unhappy at school (teased about being small), grandmother, loneliness, adventure, love, loyalty, determination, courage
Suggested Age: 8+
What’s it about?: April is determined to save the polar bear she meets when she accompanies her father to a remote Arctic research outpost.
Author: Hannah Gold
Illustrator: Levi Pinfold
Publisher: HarperCollins
2. The Lost Whale
The theme of being a young carer isn’t one that is often explored in children’s books, but in The Lost Whale, Hannah Gold manages to express many of the emotions, particularly anxiety and anger, that young carers are likely to experience at some point. Giving children in this position a chance to see they’re not alone and to help educate other children about an experience that they may not be familiar with themselves is already enough reason to read this book. But when you add in the other themes of animal conservation, climate change and developing new relationships it becomes a must-read.
Book Themes: animal conservation, Pacific Ocean, depression (Rio’s mother), mental health (we learn that Rio has had to stay with his grandmother in California while his mother is in hospital), young carer (Rio has been caring for his mum for a long time, holding her hand when she cries, getting food etc), music (Rio’s mother is a professional violinist), whales (the story teaches lots of information about whales), animal cruelty (the story explores a whale being trapped in discarded nets and Rio learns about historical hunting of whales), friendship (Rio forms a very close friendship with Marina and her dad), emotions (Rio struggles to handle his anxiety and sadness over being separated from his mum and this often presents itself as anger towards his grandmother)
Suggested Age: 8+
What’s it about?: Rio has to leave his home in London and go to stay with his grandmother in California whilst his mum receives treatment in a specialist hospital in London. When he discovers his mum had once found much joy in the whales that passed by her childhood home in Ocean Bay, he has the idea that if he can get a photo of her favourite whale, White Beak, then perhaps this can help her once again find her happiness.
Author: Hannah Gold
Illustrator: Levi Pinfold
Publisher: HarperCollins
3. Finding Bear
This was a book that anyone who has read ‘The Last Bear’ was crying out to be written and it absolutely doesn’t disappoint. All the questions we’re left with at the end of ‘The Last Bear’ are answered brilliantly in this sequel. ‘Finding Bear’ goes a step further in educating the reader about the impact that climate change is having, not just on the polar bears themselves but also on the Arctic. If you know someone who enjoyed ‘The Last Bear’, then you just found the perfect gift for them in ‘Finding Bear’.
Book Themes: animal conservation, climate change, rising sea temperatures (glaciers and sea ice melting), Arctic, polar bears, adventure, death (April discovers the body of Bear’s mate, who she believes has died as a result of starvation), rescue (April has to rescue Bear’s cub before he also starves)
Suggested Age: 8+
What’s it about?: April has found it hard adjusting to life back in England after leaving Bear (a polar bear that she befriended on Bear Island) behind in the Arctic. She feels different at her school and her dad has a new girlfriend, which isn’t helping her sense of isolation, even though she is surrounded by people. When she receives an email from her friend, Tor, telling her that a polar bear has been shot at the location that she last saw Bear, she instantly decides that there’s only one thing to do… go and rescue her friend.
Author: Hannah Gold
Illustrator: Levi Pinfold
Publisher: HarperCollins
4. Turtle Moon
Turtle Moon is the most wonderful, recent offering from Hannah Gold that takes you into a contrasting habitat to those in her previous books: the rainforests of Costa Rica. This story is instantly captivating, creating vivid images which draw you into Silver’s world in the jungle, as she experiences life with some of the world’s most amazing creatures. The excitement, adventure, sadness, friendship, joy and teamwork of this book will keep you gripped until the very last page.
Book Themes: animal conservation, friendship, fertility issues (the main character’s parents), depression (Silver’s mum seems to be struggling with depression after having had no success with IVF), art (Silver’s dad is a well-known artist), animals (turtles, sloth, jaguar, parrot) jungle, poachers (a poacher tries to steal the turtle eggs but is thwarted), habitats (the damage caused by humans to turtles’ nesting patterns, food sources etc is explained), rainforest (Costa Rica), sadness, turtles
Suggested Age: 8+
What’s it about?: When Silver is first told by her parents that they are leaving their home for four months to travel to the other side of the world, she is far from sure about the idea. However, her mum and dad haven’t been the same for a long time and perhaps this adventure is what is needed to take things back to how they used to be. Little can Silver know what is about to be thrown at them all, and that lives will quite literally be in their hands.
Author: Hannah Gold
Illustrator: Levi Pinfold
Publisher: HarperCollins