A PAIR OF POLAR BEARS

Ryder supplies two sets of captions in different point sizes—one for younger, the other for more able readers—to a gallery of big, color photos featuring two adorably fuzzy, alert-looking polar bear cubs in this engaging follow up to Little Panda: The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo (2001). Orphaned at just three months old, the bears (later named Kalluk and Tatqiq) explore the indoor pen where they’re cared for until old enough to be introduced in stages to their outdoor habitat. As they grow up in the photos, Ryder describes their behavior, intelligence, distinct personalities and comfortable relationship with each other and with zoo-goers. Perfect fare for young fans after Miela Ford’s Bear Play (1995). (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8)