Disappearing Lake: Nature's Magic in Denali National Park [Hardcover]

Debbie S. Miller (Author), Jon Van Zyle (Illustrator), Jon Van Zyle (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

Describes the formation of a vernal lake in Alaska's Denali National Park and the various creatures that make their homes in and around it.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 6. As in A Caribou Journey (Little, Brown, 1994), Miller and Van Zyle combine their love of Alaska's wilderness with their literary and artistic talents to create a visually appealing narrative. This latest offering describes the life cycle of a seasonal lake in Denali National Park. Miller uses simple, yet descriptive, action-packed words to "show" what the lake environment looks and sounds like throughout the year. Van Zyle's two-page panoramic paintings are equally descriptive and perfectly parallel the mood and activity of the land and its inhabitants as they are described in the text. With large-print words strategically placed on each full-page illustration, the focus of this title is on an ephemeral lake that appears each spring when the snow melts; provides a home and source of food for birds, beavers, moose, caribou, hares, and wolves; and then evaporates with the warmer and longer days of summer, exposing a richly vegetated meadow that continues to feed the animals that inhabit this constantly changing ecosystem. A unique title for young listeners and readers, this book is certain to enhance collections on Alaskan animals, seasons, ecosystems, and life cycles.?Roz Goodman, Bering Strait School District Media Center, Unalakleet, AK
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. In Alaska's Denali National Park, one area is transformed from meadow to lake and back again as the seasons progress. When winter snows melt, water pours in, attracting shorebirds, moose, and other creatures. As summer goes on, the level of the lake drops, sending some animals on their way and luring new ones that like the muddy lake bottom. Flowers and grasses take the place of the water, but soon the snows will fall again. An author's note explains the concept of "vernal lakes," and a concluding spread gives further information on some of the creatures mentioned. Crisply illuminated details lend an almost photographic quality to the large, spacious paintings, which do justice to both plants and animals. Although the overall tone is quiet and the pace slow, even younger children will enjoy seeing the wolves, caribou, and other woodland animals in their settings. Susan Dove Lempke

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802784747
• ISBN-13: 978-0802784742
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,182,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dissappearing Lake, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Disappearing Lake: Nature's Magic in Denali National Park (Hardcover)

Beautiful visuals and a lucid, entertaining account of an amazing ecosystem make this a perfect gift for curious young minds.