Review by Booklist Review
Miller takes readers to Gates of the Arctic National Park in northern Alaska to observe animals collecting and storing food, preparing for eight months of snow. As temperatures fall, a frog burrows into fallen leaves and prepares its body for near-frozen hibernation; a chickadee fluffs his feathers and lowers his temperature and metabolism; and caribou sniff out and forage for lichen hidden beneath the snow. The book describes how many different species' physical adaptations and behaviors keep them alive through the winter. From sweeping landscapes to close-ups, skillful acrylic paintings help readers visualize the setting and the animals that live there. An author's note, a glossary, and recommended books and Internet sites are appended. With more detailed information than one might expect from the picture-book format, this will be a good addition to classroom units on animals in winter.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-Miller describes the terrain of Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park and explains how the seasonal changes affect a diverse array of animals-birds, fish, insects, and mammals-that live in the area year-round. Frozen frogs, hibernating ground squirrels, and even woolly bear caterpillars are among the smaller animals joining the larger musk oxen, polar bears, and caribou. Dall sheep, arctic foxes, and grizzly bear are shown as they adapt variously to the extreme climate. Van Zyle's acrylic paintings span the spreads, offering good impressionistic views of varied landscapes and fauna. In some scenes, the animals described in the accompanying narrative are hard to spot or not shown at all. The text moves smoothly and quickly, offering interesting glimpses of varied hibernation patterns and the physical characteristics enabling some animals to survive winter's deep chill aboveground. The closing author's note mentions the creeping changes with global warming. A chart of record high and low temperatures illustrates a really impressive range for each of the 12 months. The glossary includes "shivering" but nowhere is "tundra" defined, though it occurs several times in the text. Sketchy maps of Alaska and the park are set against a snowy mountain on the end pages. A good introduction to the diversity of the region's wildlife.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston (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
Despite the harsh environment, many animals survive and thrive in Alaska's Arctic National Park and Preserve. With vivid descriptions, both scientific and poetic, Miller details the fauna's skillful preparations that help them make it through the winter. Acrylic illustrations in largely muted colors help convey the severity of the season. Reading list, websites. Glos. (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.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Focusing on the fauna that make their home in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Miller explores the many different kinds of adaptations that allow these animals to survive the brutal winters. From caribou and blackfish to Arctic fox and chickadee, most rely on physical characteristics. In preparation for winter, the wood frog literally freezes, flooding its body with glucose to prevent damage from ice crystals. The musk ox is naturally suited to the cold, with thick wool, short legs and small ears. In addition to their physical adaptations, these animals must feed and shelter themselves. The ptarmigan plunges into the powdery snow to survive nighttime temperatures, while the squirrel stores a cache of food to last the winter. The author segues nicely into spring, giving readers a sense of the full cycle of a year. Van Zyle's acrylic artwork realistically portrays both the animals and their Arctic habitat. Predominantly blue, brown and white, the paintings evoke the harsh climate of northern Alaska. A fascinating look at the great diversity of animal adaptations, as well as an introduction to some lesser-known species. (author's note, glossary, map, additional sources) (Informational picture book. 7-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
