Antarctica (Dual Language Books) [Hardcover]

Helen Cowcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1997 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Dual Language Books

Far, far south, in the strange and beautiful land of Antarctica, it is dark both day and night all winter long. When at last spring comes, the penguins and seals raise their young. But, one year, loud, unfamiliar sounds announce the arrival of a new presence—one the animals hope can share this fragile world with them in peace.

 

Antarctica is a 1990 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Dramatic illustrations deftly blend light and shadow as they depict the rigorous--and threatened--existence of "emperor penguins, Weddell seals and Adelie penguins" on the frozen continent. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 --In story form, Cowcher attempts to describe life for emperor and Adelie penguins and Weddell seals during one Antarctic winter and spring as they nest, give birth, and raise their young. Harsh weather makes survival difficult, but the true enemy may be the men who have a base camp near the Adelies' nesting area; their helicopter frightens the penguins away, allowing the predatory skuas access to their eggs. A few instances of anthropomorphism are unfortunate and glaringly intrusive: an emperor penguin is described as huddling with "his friends," and the story closes with the seals and penguins wondering whether ". . . the new arrivals . . . will share or destroy their beautiful Antarctica . . ." Some of the watercolor illustrations are too cute--baby emperor penguins and Weddell seals have the round-faced quality of the worst greeting-card art. Others are misleading--"a ferocious leopard seal," enemy to the penguins, appears to be a gentle, smiling creature, and a drawing of the emperor penguins trudging back to their rookery looks like the penguins are walking on water, with huge waves behind them. Since little is available on this level that deals directly with the problems facing Antarctica, most libraries will want to add this to their collections; its didactic but important message outweighs its faults. --Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Milet Ltd (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840590025
• ISBN-13: 978-1840590029
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,445,964 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations, June 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Antarctica (Dual Language Books) (Paperback)

The first thing that drew me to this nonfiction book was the gorgeous illustrations by Cowcher. They are beautiful. Her use of "cool" colors such as blue, purple, green, and gray add to the wonder of this book. If you are a teacher, this would make a great addition to your personal library to use with units on penguins or Antarctica. It also comes in a "big book" format and is worth the money!

5.0 out of 5 stars Pre- Happy Feet 2, January 3, 2012

By 

Patricia G. Berlin "Teton Rose" (Jackson, WY United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Antarctica (Paperback)

I bought this book to teach "predicting" to my class. It was a beautiful book that brought tears to my eyes. My class loved it also. Later I heard the theme was similar to Happy Feet 2. Anyway the book came right after I ordered it. The service was fast and LOVE the book!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Antarctica by Helen Cowcher, March 14, 2007

By 

P. Rice (California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Antarctica (Paperback)

I purchased this book for it's content(penguin info), and the illustrations. It exceeded my expectations.