Inspired by Inuit folklore, Bushey’s third picture book tells the story of a young girl confronted with her own ambitions and the supernatural. Orphaned Pani goes fishing with her grandmother, who gives her a small treasure – the ivory fishing lure once belonging to Pani’s mother. Yet Pani longs to hunt polar bears – especially the ones who killed her parents. Other children mock Pani for her aspirations and belief that the fishing lure is magic but she leaves them, convinced of her lure’s powers and her own strength.

On the frozen bay Pani discovers a wounded bear cub. Seeing his pain, she is moved to care for him, cleansing his wound and providing fish with her mother’s lure. The cub thanks Pani for sparing his life and asks that she return to his igloo so his mother can thank her too. Upon hearing of Pani’s deeds, Mother Bear rewards Pani with two pieces of magic fur, saying if she uses them wisely, Pani will never know hunger or cold again.

Magic abounds in this book. In the striking illustrations one can almost hear the roaring wind and sleet, yet Krykorka’s brilliant hues and swirling skyscapes underscore the supernatural elements of the tale. The double-page spreads truly glow, and the visual action is carefully balanced with the accompanying narrative, making this title an excellent choice for storytimes. For librarians and teachers looking for either folklore or multicultural material or any reader with a need to see compassion rewarded, this is indeed a pleasant find.