North and South A tale of two hemispheres

Gr 2--5--In this work which will enlarge young readers' understanding of how conditions in the Earth's northern and southern hemispheres affect animal life, author-illustrator Morris explores the diverse conditions that exist in each. Readers learn about the imaginary dividing line that is the equator and how the hemispheres' seasons are different. Then, with the year divided in months, the author reveals, in unflinching text, the challenges each animal experiences in its habitat and how each animal's distinctive characteristics, behavior, and survival skills results in its conservation status. For example, for January, the featured northern hemisphere animals are the Scottish ptarmigan and mountain hare of the Scottish Highlands experiencing winter, while the southern hemisphere features northern Australia's green tree python in the summer. The soft textures used in the illustrations work together with the text, revealing a truth children can grow on. The back matter consists of a glossary, index, internet resources, and suggestions on how to help animal life on Earth. VERDICT Morris has created an eye-opening introduction to animals in the northern and southern hemisphere: it's not to be missed.--Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA