Merle Goll Books

This story is about being real with our friends, honest with them so that they can be true to themselves; let’s be happy with how we are, and not have to conform because it suits other people. Setting the story in the Arctic gives it an exotic feel – everyone loves polar bears, puffins and snowy white foxes. And it allows the illustrator to display his skill at portraying the Northern Lights, which he does very well in characteristic cartoon style.

I can see Year 1 and 2s liking Patrick and their teachers reading it aloud when ‘doing’ related geography work, or when dealing with friendship issues. Equally, some children will enjoy reading it to themselves.