A Caribou Journey

Children's Literature - Dr. Judy Rowen

The great migration of the caribou is detailed in this book, accompanied by lovingly crafted acrylic paintings. The text focuses on one female (or "cow") and her offspring, following them on their journey through the arctic. Lots of information is conveyed within the context of the story, making this an enjoyable way to learn about life on the tundra.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-A detailed, richly illustrated title. Miller is a natural storyteller and expertly interweaves facts into her narrative. Van Zyle's dramatic paintings that flow across each double-page spread are created with acrylics painted on untempered masonite panels, and vividly portray seasonal changes in the land and life cycle of the caribou. Both the words and pictures breathe life into the images of a cold and windy Arctic winter, the scraping sound of the animals pawing for food beneath the snow, the crackling of the ice, bulls fighting for mates, and numerous other behaviors. Because the text is superimposed over the illustrations some pages are a bit difficult to read, but well worth the effort for every word is carefully chosen to re-create the sights and sounds of the caribou's environment. An exceptional source of information and an outstanding picture book.-Roz Goodman, Bering Strait School District Media Center, Unalakleet, AK

Booklist

"Miller provides information in the text that goes well beyond the picturesque. . .The oil paintings provide background vistas that will give the book appeal for very young nature enthusiasts."—Booklist