Polar Regions

November 1, 2012

Gr 2-4-These overviews provide basic information. Food-web diagrams reveal relationships among plants and animals within the habitats. However, the clear, color photographs do not always best represent the text and sometimes additional diagrams or images would be helpful. For example, a spread on "Arctic Food Webs" in Polar, unlike the entry for "Antarctic Food Webs," has no diagram. More attention to detail, especially in selecting and labeling photos, would have lifted these books above the ordinary. In Grasslands, it's odd that the author does not include where Gouldian finches eat grass seed after a fire. And in Mountains, why not mention the country with terraced agriculture? After discussing threats to the habitat, the authors suggest ways to help. Among them are to adopt an animal (only Polar gives a specific resource), "Join a conservation group," and "Be energy wise." Overall, these are acceptable starting points for reports.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2013
Grades 2-4 This title in the Habitat Survival series introduces the polar regionsthe Arctic surrounding the North Pole and the Antarctic surrounding the South Pole. Kids unfamiliar with these areas are given an overview of the frozen habitats, including their average temperatures (brrrr). Also covered are the differences between the two poles, including the fact that plants can grow in areas around the Arctic in summer (such as algae and moss); animals that have adapted to the climate, like walruses, polar bears, and emperor penguins (they have veins in their feet to protect them from losing heat); people who live on the edge of the Arctic Circle; resources; and, most important of all, threats to polar habitats: global warming, seal hunting, and oil drilling, among them. The author presents complex issues in an easy-to-understand way, and full-color photos and diagrams reinforce the lessons. The color palette is fittingly cool, with plenty of white and pale pinks and blues. While the You can help section could use more specifics, this is a good launching point for school reports.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)