by Wendy Pfeffer (Author) Morgan Huff (Illustrator)
Read and find out about the arctic fox's quest for survival in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book. During the winter, the arctic fox begins an incredible journey. She heads north through the tundra, toward the top of the world. No larger than a house cat, she faces treacherous obstacles, frightening predators, and bitter cold along the way. It seems impossible that she could persist against the elements on her almost 2,000-mile journey--but she does. This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The Arctic Fox's Journey is filled with gorgeous, accurate art and includes tons of visual aids like charts, sidebars, an infographic, as well as a hands-on activity all about camouflage. This is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades.
Books in this series support the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.
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PreS-Gr 3-The arctic fox is native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This level-one series entry portrays the winter activities of one female as she migrates almost 2,000 miles in the North Pole area. Portrayed with a childlike face that always seems to be smiling, the fox resembles someone's little house cat rather than an animal that can "howl and growl." She faces many dangers as she hunts lemmings, finishes a polar bear's leftover seal, and eats a frozen goose egg. Yet there's also time for contemplation, as the fox studies the sky and watches a group of migrating snow geese. A double-page spread of activities will help readers understand camouflage and how white winter fur can hide the arctic fox in the snow. The glossary of nine terms is marred by its definition of hibernate, which is listed as "resting in a safe place in the winter" with no mention of dormancy. VERDICT The illustrations seem more appropriate for a picture book than an introduction to the life and behavior of a wild animal. Ultimately, this is a marginal purchase.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA
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