The Polar Pair
What’s inside...
Cuddle up and tuck into a snowbed! The Polar Pair welcomes readers of all ages to root beer float the arctic ice cubes in this wintry wonderland. Witness how a water bear can wet the bed, take care of Momma, and bust a dance move by flashlight. In colorful pages and lyrical rhymes, two popsicle Polars snowball us into a world of flurries for nighty night worries. By a rocking chair, we solar flare, to sleep tight like the Polar Pair! Author & Illustrator Callen Breed is a songwriter, an artist, and story-teller. Two paws up for these poetic Polars in action!
Age
4-10
Length
55 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the polar bear and the penguin felt when they first met each other?
What are some ways the polar bear and penguin helped each other in the story?
Why do you think it's important for the polar bear and penguin to work together even though they're different?
Can you think of a time when you made an unexpected friend like the polar pair? What made that friendship special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss the polar regions with your child to set the scene of the story.
As you read, point out the expressions on the characters' faces to help your child understand the emotions being conveyed.
After reading, relate the story to your child's personal experiences by discussing times they've had to cooperate with others in new or challenging situations.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This can lead to a discussion about the importance of setting in storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Polar Pair,' the main characters, a polar bear and a penguin, overcome numerous obstacles by working together. Their bond showcases the strength in collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of helping one another to achieve common goals, applicable in team sports, group projects, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Throughout 'The Polar Pair,' the polar bear and penguin learn to appreciate and leverage their different skills and perspectives to navigate their adventures, demonstrating that diversity is a strength.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and embrace differences in others around them, promoting inclusivity and empathy in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The duo faces various challenges and by brainstorming and thinking critically, they find solutions. This highlights the importance of a thoughtful approach to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the mindset to apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills in tasks or conflicts at school or in other aspects of daily life.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the characters encounter unexpected situations, they learn to adapt to changing environments, emphasizing flexibility.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to cope and adjust to new situations or changes in routine, reducing stress and increasing resilience.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The characters repeatedly face setbacks in their journey but continue to strive forward, showcasing the value of persistence despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the merit of perseverance in achieving goals, be it in academics, personal hobbies, or relationships.