A Child's Alaska [Hardcover]

Claire Rudolf Murphy (Author), Charles Mason (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1994 | Age Level: 6 and up

Commemorates, in words and pictures, the wild and civilized wonders of living in Alaska. A perfect introduction to the 49th state for young readers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-A combination of photographs, illustrations, and text mix and mingle on each page of this lovely volume to create a kaleidoscope of verbal and visual impressions about Alaska's landforms, wildlife, and people. Murphy describes the area's vastness and uniqueness, and presents geography, history, culture, and natural science as they relate to the changing seasons. Although the text is not written from a child's point of view as the title might imply, youngsters and their families are the focus of the book. The montage of appealing, full-color photographs includes shots of native and non-native people of all ages engaged in daily activities, animals in their natural habitats, and scenic views of the natural landscapes. Unfortunately, instead of appearing directly under or next to the relevant picture, the captions are often grouped together with triangles pointing to the photos they describe. There's so much packed into 48 pages that readers will want to re-read and look at the pictures over and over again, seeing and learning something new every time. This "coffee-table" style book will complement more traditional nonfiction titles.
Roz Goodman, Bering Strait School District Media Center, Unalakleet, AK
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-5, younger for reading aloud. The team that created Friendship across Arctic Waters: Alaskan Cub Scouts Visit Their Soviet Neighbors (1991) offers an inviting look at our forty-ninth state. Following the seasons from one winter to the next, Murphy touches on climate, wildlife, and typical activities of Alaskan children. She distinguishes three groups of native peoples (Aleut, Eskimo, and Indian) and describes the wide variety of lifestyles (ranging from life in the city to living in remote cabins) available to Alaskans. Mason's intriguing, sharply reproduced, full-color photos appear on every page and capture the essence of the Alaskan experience. His subjects range from people and wildlife to glacial lakes, eerie northern lights, huge vegetables, and a time-lapse display of the sun on the shortest day of the year. Small color drawings, mostly of native flora and fauna, add further interest. Although it is aimed more at browsers than at report writers, this will make an excellent source for units on Alaska. For another look at Alaska, see Kroll's The Seasons and Someone, also reviewed in this issue. Kay Weisman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books (April 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882404571
• ISBN-13: 978-0882404578
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,150,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate information & beautiful photos!, April 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Child's Alaska (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for children and adults to learn more about Alaska. It is beautifully photographed. We lived in Fairbanks, AK for 19 years! We gave it as a Christmas gift to our family members. Well cone.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique look at Alaska, February 9, 2008

By 

S. Stenfors "writer" (minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Child's Alaska (Hardcover)

What I enjoy about Claire Rudolf Murhpy's works,are how she picks a unique viewpoint of a place. As with her Children of Alcatraz, this book allows you to look into a land where you normally see it from an adults point-of-view. Children of all ages will enjoy reading this book and learning about the 49th state.