Life in a Frozen World

Wildlife of Antarctica
by Mary Batten
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez
Award-winning nature writer Mary Batten uncovers the climate change mysteries of our planet’s coldest, most extreme environment—Antarctica. With magnificent illustrations from Thomas Gonzalez.  
  • ISBN: 9781682631515
  • Publication date: 11/01/2020
  • Page Count: 40
  • Size: 10-7/8" x 9-1/2"
  • Age Range: 6-10
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  • ISBN: 9781682631515
  • Publication date: 11/01/2020
  • Page Count: 40
  • Size: 10-7/8" x 9-1/2"
  • Age Range: 6-10
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  • ISBN: 9781682634073
  • Publication date: 12/20/2022
  • Page Count: 40
  • Size: 10-7/8" x 9-1/2"
  • Age Range: 6-10
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  • Age Range: 6-10
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  • ISBN: 9781682632642
  • Publication date: 11/01/2020
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 6-10
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  • Age Range: 6-10
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Description

Award-winning nature writer Mary Batten uncovers the climate change mysteries of our planet’s coldest, most extreme environment—Antarctica.

Did you know that Antarctica could be the key to long-standing questions about the Earth and climate change? Though it seems very far away from us at the bottom of the world, this frozen continent affects weather, ocean currents, and sea levels all over the Earth. Its wildlife survives—and even thrives—on ice. And in the long run, so do we.

From award-winning, experienced nature writer Mary Batten comes a remarkable nonfiction picture book that plumbs the mysteries of one of the most hostile environments on the planet. With clear, engaging language, Batten explores fascinating questions that scientists the world over have been researching. In the intensely cold, windy, and dry environment of Antarctica, how does a wide variety of wildlife survive? How do some species of Antarctic fishes make a natural antifreeze that prevents their blood from freezing solid? How does a forest of giant seaweed flourish under the sea when no other trees grow on the continent? Antarctica’s creatures are exquisitely adapted to their extreme habitat, but can they survive warmer waters and atmosphere?

An ideal resource for young science lovers and educators, this informative volume is perfect for classroom units on climate change, conservation, ecology, environment, nature, oceanography, and more.

Author/Illustrator

Mary Batten

Author

Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She is the author of numerous picture books, including Aliens from Earth, Please Don’t Wake the Animals, and Hey, Daddy! In preparation for writing Life in a Frozen World, she consulted with several scientists who specialize in the study of Antarctica, its wildlife, and the effects of climate change on this unique continent.

Thomas Gonzalez

Illustrator

Tom Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, Tom came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including 14 Cows for America, Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, and Countdown. He lives in Georgia.

Reviews

“Informative…fascinating… The text makes a compelling case for understanding and caring about Antarctica. Gonzalez’s illustrations provide an intriguing depiction of the setting…. A superb choice for students who are studying animal adaptation and how climate change impacts Antarctica. The well-researched text and captivating illustrations work well to convey the importance of conservation.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Beautifully illustrated… Batten presents well-researched and clearly written text that includes enough detail to engage readers without overwhelming them…. Gonzalez’s double-page pictures present vivid scenes of windswept ice, dramatic skies, and seas teeming with life. This inviting volume provides a lively introduction to Antarctica and its unique ecosystem.” —Booklist

“Descriptions are clear, concise, and interesting… [Batten’s] text is relatively substantial for a picture book, and it’s set against a backdrop of gorgeous Antarctic scenes created by Gonzalez.…the scenery is magnificent…. Sobering news in a handsome package.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Thomas Gonzalez’s watercolor illustrations are lively and precise, helping to make this an enchanting, educational introduction to Antarctica’s biodiversity.” —Foreword Reviews

Awards

Green Earth Book Award Recommended Reading List (Nonfiction)— The Nature Generation, 2021

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)— Kansas National Education Association, 2021

Resources

Resources: Other, Teacher's Guide

Teacher’s Guide

More Details

F&P: T, Gr 5, Genre I
Lexile: NC1130L
Themes: Animal Adaptations to Cold, Climate Change, Scientific Research in Antarctica, Wildlife of Antarctica
BISAC 1: JNF037070 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Earth Sciences / Water (Oceans, Lakes, etc.)
BISAC 2: JNF051180 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Earth Sciences / Geography
BISAC 3: JNF051100 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Environmental Science & Ecosystems

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