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The Meaning Behind Erutuf
Polar Post follows two siblings and their hilariously food-motivated golden retriever on a magical trip to the mysterious and whimsical Erutuf National Park, where they help a Polar bear hide a secret map from pirates. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I love national parks! My husband proposed to me in Shenandoah National Park, and we got married in the Grand Teton National Park. I had always wanted to write a children’s series set in a national park. I couldn’t decide which national park for the setting because I love them all in different ways. So, I created a huge fictional national park that encompasses aspects of many existing national parks. Read the series to find out the meaning behind Erutuf!
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I created the two main characters, Reese and Dean, to show children that they can make a difference in this world and protect the environment. I named the two siblings by the middle names of my kids.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved writing the dogsled race scene. I had so much with all the characters and the actual race.
Do you have more adventures in store for Reese and Dean, or are you working on a new project?
Yes, Reese and Dean will have four more journeys and adventures to new parts of Erutuf National Park in the future!
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When Reese and Dean return to the magical Erutuf National Park, they encounter their coldest challenge so far—in the park’s Arctic.
Here they meet Ty, an entertaining, talking polar bear with a crucial mission. Ty reveals a secret map that must be found and hidden before a group of determined pirates can seize it.
Can the siblings navigate this icy region and outsmart the cunning pirates? Find out in this thrilling third book in the series as Reese and Dean embark on a journey of bravery, teamwork, exploration, and the unbreakable bond of family to protect this magical national park!
Polar Post: An Erutuf National Park Novel
Polar Post follows siblings Reese and Dean and their hilariously food-motivated golden retriever, Tutu, on their third magical trip to the mysterious and whimsical Erutuf National Park. This time, they’re whisked off to the Arctic, where talking animals, pirates in tuxedos, and frozen palaces await. The kids land smack in the middle of a secret mission to hide an important map from sneaky villains, and it’s up to them (with some help from a card-trick-loving polar bear) to keep the park safe. It’s playful, unpredictable, and full of heart.
Dean’s steady stream of puns and dad-joke humor is remarkably well-executed. Lines like “King Henry the 1/8!” had me laughing early on, and the witty one-liners continue throughout the book. Tutu is another standout with her fixation on treats and spontaneous dog-centric observations (“Treats are things!”) add a layer of charm and levity that made me smile consistently. The humor never feels forced; instead, it strikes a natural, effortless tone that captures the playful dynamic of sibling banter in a genuinely engaging way.
Then there’s the whole magical adventure part, which hit that sweet spot between fantasy and nature-loving wonder. The idea of a national park that teleports kids to different ecosystems and lets them talk to animals is just… genius. The ice palace, with its glittering walls and crazy sled tunnel, was like a dream. And I loved how the book layered in real facts about polar bears, narwhals, and climate issues, but in a way that didn’t feel preachy. Dean’s virtual reality moment on glacier ice? Gave me actual chills. Kathy Cherry has this way of sliding in learning moments without killing the vibe. It’s smart.
I also appreciated the sibling dynamic between Reese and Dean. They feel like real kids. Reese is the organized, logical math-lover, while Dean’s just vibing through life with a joke in one hand and a snack in the other. Their bond felt warm and familiar, but not sugarcoated. And it was nice to see that Reese had some nerves, especially about the pirates. She’s not just the “smart” one; she’s a full person with worries and hopes. The scene where she uses math as a calming technique in the maze? Weirdly beautiful.
Polar Post is a heartwarming, funny, and clever story with a whole lot of imagination. It’s clearly aimed at middle-grade readers, but honestly, I had a blast reading it as an adult. If you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who loves talking animals, secret missions, and a little eco-magic in your stories, this one’s for you. Highly recommend.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DK89TZWQ
LITERARY TITAN 