When Grandfather sees his very first polar bear, it is in a zoo, with not much room and certainly no snow for it to play with. From that moment on he is determined that one day he will get to see a polar bear in its natural habitat, and so he sets off to the North Pole with the faithful Roo (a dog of very strong views, as it happens), on the hunt for polar bears. But is the treacherous journey to Walrus Bay worth the risk...

Harry Horse's classic adventure story conjures up the finest images of adventure as it follows the trials and tribulations of the hardy Grandfather and his pooch as they trek across land and sea to realise a dream.

Soft, pastel illustrations perfectly complement a lilting, challenging text that is ideal for reading aloud to small children, or can be enjoyed by older children who are ready to read alone.

The Last Polar bear is pleasingly old-fashioned in many ways, with an old-world charm that it is indeed heart-warming, but at the same time it brings home a contemporary conservation issue with a sharp intelligence that is unforgettable. (Age 4 and over) --Susan Harrison

Not satisfied with seeing a lone polar bear in the zoo, Grandfather becomes determined to find the last polar bears in the wild before global warming spells their demise. For his quest, Grandfather enlists the help of Roo, his faithful, but sometimes high-maintenance pooch that talks. Together this odd pair travels from the UK to the North Pole aboard the Unsinkable where they find their quest for polar bears has only just begun. Told completely through short letters written by Grandfather to his unnamed grandchild, this chapter book is a practical introduction to independent reading. The theme of global warming is subtle but clear and could inspire rich classroom conversations or lessons. The late cartoonist's silly annotated black-and-white illustrations are sprinkled throughout, each letter adding additional humor to the zany fantastical adventure, which includes a pack of singing drunken wolves, a snow poet and frozen seagulls. Quirky with a message. Horse will be missed. (Fiction. 6-9) (Kirkus Reviews)

Grandfather is off on an expedition to the North Pole to find the Last Polar Bears and with him goes Roo - a dog of character and strong views. The intrepid explorers set sail on the good ship 'Unsinkable' and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Eccentric, moving and very funny, their story is told through a series of extraordinary letters.

Grandfather is off on an expedition to the North Pole to find the Last Polar Bears and with him goes Roo - a dog of character and strong views. The intrepid explorers set sail on the good ship 'Unsinkable' and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Eccentric, moving and very funny, their story is told through a series of extraordinary letters.

2007-01-15 A lovely book

My son adores this book, and the other tales of Roo and Grandad so much he forced me to read it. I loved it too!

A book that doesn't involve violence or collecting cards to do battle with but keeps kids intrigued. A rarity these days..