Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 1-3. Harrison's volume from the Earthworks series provides a straightforward introduction to glaciers. Opening with the sinking of the Titanic, he explains how they form, move, and drop icebergs into the sea, going on to discuss where glaciers can be found and how their range shifts as Earth cycles in and out of ice ages. Although strung out on the page in free-verse-style columns, which may slow down some readers, the text reads like clear, informational prose. Nathan's digital illustrations vary in quality, but the best double-page spreads, such as the picture of a glacier showing an iceberg above and below the water's surface, are exceptionally fine. The two large maps are also quite effective. A solid choice for science collections, the book concludes with an information-packed author's note and a brief list of recommended books. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-This slim series entry takes a look at glaciers from the Ice Age to the Titanic disaster. Harrison includes facts on glacial formation, physical properties, and geological history. He has a poetic grasp of the kind of animated language that hooks young readers into nonfiction, yet his narrative is hindered by some inconsistencies and confusing usage. The pronunciation is given for the word "calving," but not for words like "Beringia" or "equator," and the author confusingly interchanges the terms iceberg and glacier. The discussion of Earth's warming trend and the melting glaciers makes it sound as though this is all part of a normal cycle. While the art technique is original, the illustrations are not always effective. The rendering of the Titanic hitting an iceberg works well in captivating children's attention, but the geological effects of melting glaciers are less clearly depicted. Source notes are not provided, and the author's note is geared toward older readers. There is a minimal section on further reading, but no glossary is offered to reinforce terms mentioned. Look to Roy A. Gallant's Glaciers (Watts, 1999), which has color photographs and a clearer text.-Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Harrison uses the classic example of the iceberg that sank the Titanic to draw readers into a straightforward explanation of glacier formation, movement, and cycles of ice ages on earth. The information is appropriately targeted to young readers, with additional factual information included in notes at the end of the book. The digitally generated illustrations are mostly accurate. Reading list. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
