April 1, 2011
Gr 4-5-Individual volumes in this narrowly focused series merit consideration-particularly Arctic Wolf, as it profiles one of the rarest subspecies on Earth (population estimated at about 200) and Sled Dogs, which opens by introducing Isobel, a blind lead dog, then goes on to cover rescue dogs, dog training, and the Iditarod. The other volumes begin by visiting a research biologist in the field. Each book features systematically presented basic information about its animal's physical features, habitat (with range maps) and special adaptations, followed by closing spreads of recapped facts and glimpses of several other arctic creatures. Sled Dogs features period photos; it and the others also offer photos of the animals in natural settings.
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 1, 2011
Grades 3-5 Opening with a dramatic jacket depicting a close-up of a huge walrus, this photo-essay in the Built for Cold: Arctic Animals series effectively utilizes a straightforward, present-tense narrative that quotes wildlife walrus biologist Tony Fischbach, who works actively in the field. At the books beginning, a photo shows Fischbach shooting a small arrow with a radio transmitter into one walrus skin; doing so enables him to track where the walrus moves. Fischbach goes on to describe how walruses can live comfortably in the Arcticthey have four inches of insulating blubber under their skin. The final call for conservation and the threat of global warming is sobering, with a heartbreaking account of the 2009 discovery of nearly 150 walrus calves dead on an Alaskan beach due to loss of sea ice. The glossary is useful, and a bibliography of books and websites conclude.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2011
The authors describe various animals that live and thrive in arctic environments. Each volume begins by introducing a scientist studying the title creature; that person acts as expert by providing quotes throughout the book. The information is solid but tends to meander. Colorful photos, maps, sidebars, and accounts of real-life encounters with the animals will engage readers curious about the natural world. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)