Worlds of Ice

Book Review by: MBC

Written by Cindy Wright, Worlds of Ice is a very informative book about the history and life in the Arctic and the Antarctic. Many of us are wondering about the life situation in the North Pole and its surrounding areas. In fact, many people ask if there are people living the area.  This book provides a detailed description about the Arctic Circle, which includes the North Pole, the Bering Sea and some parts of Canada, Russia and Greenland. Wright wrote that despite harsh temperature there are still some groups of people such as the Yupik popularly known as the Eskimos still live in the area.

Wright also enumerated the different flora and fauna that are growing and inhabiting the area. It is very interesting to know that even if it is still cold during summer, plants grow and flowers like arctic poppies and purple saxifrage bloom. Lichens are the most common type of plant in the area with the ability to survive even if the ground is covered with ice.  Some animals in the Arctic Circle like the Arctic Hare eat lichens to survive.

Speaking about animals, the book contains information about the different types of animals living in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. Wright named,  provided images and detailed descriptions for each animal from the food they eat, how they protect themselves, how long do they survive and if a particular animal is facing extinction and what programs are implemented by the government to preserve the species and to maintain the ecological balance within the area.

The World of Ice is definitely a good read for both parents and children alike. Science teachers must have this book. Kids are naturally inquisitive and during Christmas season, they will definitely ask things about the North Pole. Instead of just answering, “It is very cold in the North Pole because it is covered with ice,” Teachers can use the book to teach kids more about the animals inhabiting the area. Kids love animals and surely they will lend their ears and listen about Adelie penguins, beluga whale, reindeer, snowy owl, polar bear,  seals and many other species.