bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sponsorType

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Often Your teachers at school ask you to read books that are challenging. They  may have new words and complicated plots, themes or messages. Reading such books  will definitely make you think, and therefore, will likely make you keener readers and better speakers of English.

But, every now and again, it's not a bad idea to read a book that's just good fun. In fact, sometimes simple, easy-to-understand books can be equally important and teach lessons just as valuable as those found in  literary classics.

What makes a simple story a good story?

Fun, likeable characters that the readers can relate to

Easy-to-follow plots

A good adventure

A valuable lesson

A happy ending

The Last Polar Bears by Harry Horse is a perfect example of a simple yet quality story. Let's  see if it meets the criteria listed above.

Does the story contain fun, easy-to-like characters?

Yes, definitely! The main characters of this book are Grandpa and his loyal dog,  Roo, and both  are very loveable. The book is actually made up of letters that Grandpa is writing

to his grandson.

Have you ever received a letter from someone important to you, such as your mum or dad or a grandparent? There's something special about getting a letter that's been written  for your eyes only. When reading The Last Polar Bears, it is easy to share in the little boy's excitement over receiving his Grandpa's letters.

Is the plot easy to follow?

Yes.  This plot flows  easily and is not too  complicated. Grandpa goes to the zoo, and feels sad when he sees the polar bear all alone, with no friends, so far from his home. He then decides to go in search of the last remaining polar bears  in the North Pole.  His faithful companion, Roo, will accompany him on this journey.

Is there a good adventure?

Of course! What could be more exciting than a trip to the North Pole? During their journey, Grandpa and Roo have to overcome many  challenges. They must brave the  dangerous  ocean, and face the freezing cold.

Is there a lesson learned?

Both Grandpa and Roo learn many lessons during the trip. Perhaps the most important lesson  is that of friendship and trust. Even in the toughest  moments of their journey, they support and encourage one another.

Is there a happy ending?

You'll have to read the book  to see how it all turns out. I won't spoil all the fun by telling you the ending. I will tell you, though, one of my  favourite scenes is when Grandpa and Roo decide to play 'I spy' in an igloo.

What will your favourite scene or adventure be?

Food for thought

Harry Horse has written lots of famous books for children and even created some cartoons for grown-ups.  Perhaps if you enjoy The Last Polar Bears as much as I did, you could try reading some other works by the author.  One really cool thing  is that  Roo's character  is based  on his own dog of the same name.

Once you've read The Last Polar Bears, perhaps you could write a letter to Young Post,  or anyone you like, to recommend the book. Be sure to tell them what you like most and least. Look at the letters Grandpa writes in the book to get an idea about how to write an informal letter.



A good companion, a good book