The Last Polar Bears (Harry Horse's Last...)
Last... Series
on Goodreads (317)
What’s inside...
The Last Polar Bears is a charming tale by Harry Horse that follows the adventures of Grandfather and his faithful dog, Roo, as they embark on an ambitious journey to the North Pole. Determined to find the last polar bears, Grandfather sends letters to his grandchild detailing their whimsical and often humorous escapades. Along the way, they encounter talking seabirds, peculiar creatures, and the harsh realities of a changing environment. The story, told through a series of whimsical illustrations and engaging narrative, touches on themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of conservation. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking journey that highlights the bond between humans, animals, and the world we share.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
104 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Grandpa
Roo
Captain Parker
Discussion points
How do you think Grandfather and Roo felt on their journey to find the last polar bears?
What do you think we can do to help protect animals like the polar bears?
Why is it important for us to take care of our environment?
How would you feel if you went on an adventure like Grandfather and Roo? What would you pack?
What did you learn about friendship and courage from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s events and characters. Listen actively and validate their feelings to foster a safe and open discussion environment.
Discuss the importance of environmental conservation highlighted in the book. Connect it to simple actions your family can take to help protect the earth, like recycling or turning off lights when leaving a room.
Ask your child to imagine their own adventure story. Who would they travel with and what would their mission be? This encourages creative thinking and personal connection to the story’s themes.
Relate the themes of friendship and courage in the book to real-life situations your child might face, like starting at a new school or standing up for a friend, to make the book’s lessons more relevant.
Use the illustrations in the book to engage younger children. Point out details and ask your child to describe what they see, promoting observational skills and interaction with the book beyond just the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Last Polar Bears', Grandfather and his dog Roo embark on a challenging adventure to find the last polar bears. Despite obstacles, they persist in their journey showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing challenges head-on and not giving up, even when things get tough, is crucial. This can be applied in their studies, sports, and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and wildlife
Explanation: The book highlights the harsh realities that polar bears face due to environmental changes. Grandfather’s mission is to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, teaching respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more environmentally conscious and understand the impact of their actions on wildlife and natural habitats, promoting activities like recycling and conservation from a young age.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Grandfather's ambitious expedition illustrates the value of curiosity about the world. It encourages asking questions and learning more about unfamiliar situations or creatures.
Real-World Application: Curiosity drives learning and innovation. Children can be inspired to explore new topics, ask insightful questions in class or be more observant of their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: As Grandfather and Roo encounter various animals, their kind and considerate actions towards them foster a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being empathetic towards animals, teaching them to care for pets and be considerate of animals' needs and feelings.