Survival at 40 Below

By Debbie S. Miller
Illustrated by Jon Van Zyle

This new picture book explains the land of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska, and shows us what life is like for each of the animals as the seasons change and the temperatures drop.  It tells how different species prepare themselves for the eight months of snow that occur in the frozen tundra.  Among other animals, the book describes caribou, various birds, fish, frogs, grizzly bears, arctic foxes, and snowshoe hares.  This book gives very interesting facts that most people wouldn't know (like, for example, that the blackfish has an esophagus that can work like a lung, and that during the winter months this fish finds holes in the ice and breathes through its mouth).

Though this book is very specific in its scope, its unusual facts would be sure to attract the attention of children.  Reading this book would be a fun and interesting way to learn about wildlife that somehow manages to survive in an extreme climate.  In addition, the painted illustrations are very realistic and help to transport the reader from the comfort of their home or classroom to the chilly arctic tundra.  Definitely give it a look!