In Arctic Waters. Laura Crawford. Illustrated by Ben Hodson. Mt. Pleasant, NC: Sylvan Dell Publishing (Distributed in Canada by University of Toronto Press), 2007. 32 pp., cloth, $19.95. ISBN 978-0-9768823-4-3. Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 4-6. Review by Sandi Harrison. **** /4

excerpt:

This is the seal, bouncing along,
that teases the narwhal, big and strong
that swims with the beluga, blubbery thick
that chases the fish, small and quick
that circles the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.

Charming, fun, and framed by educational information, In Arctic Waters is a book that will elicit laughter and learning. With cartoonish illustrations depicting various Arctic mammals and marine life, In Arctic Waters attempts to engage the reader with the rhythm of “The House that Jack Built,” and succeeds. The bouncing words, combined with the richly coloured and animated figures in the book, make In Arctic Waters an enjoyable read-aloud.

     This rhythmic picture book is accompanied by several pages of glossary describing the animals and people of the Arctic. Also included is an animal tear sheet for colouring. The addition of these resources, which are accessible and understandable to school-aged children, is what makes this book an all-round winner.

Highly Recommended.

Sandi Harrison recently completed her Master of Arts in Children’s Literature at UBC and will begin her Bachelor of Education this fall.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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