School Library Journal
Gr 1-2-Beginning readers can find a clear and concise discussion of the differences between the poles in this introduction to the geography, climate, and inhabitants of the top and the bottom of our world. Explaining that the North Pole is water (Arctic Ocean) surrounded by land, Levinson covers what is found in the northern-most region before moving on to facts about the South Pole, which is land (the continent of Antarctica) surrounded by water. Hearn's colorful illustrations in white, blue, and teal green depict a number of the animal inhabitants, all identified. Final pages summarize facts about each region. This is a fine addition to science shelves for children needing short sentences and simple vocabulary explained in context.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Levinson and Hearn (Death Valley: A Day in the Desert, 2001) join forces again for another exploration of intriguing areas, focusing this time on the geographical regions of the North and South Poles. The informative text, written at the 2.6 grade level in short sentences, is set in large type with a short line length. The text blocks are skillfully integrated into the double-page-spread illustrations, against expanses of palest blue snow or midnight blue skies. Hearn shows interesting icebergs, wildlife popular with children (whales and penguins), scientific research stations, and the amazing northern lights. Levinson competently explains some difficult concepts relating to the poles, such as the imaginary line forming the axis through the earth and the scientific concepts causing day and night and the seasons. After explaining the basic idea and location of the two poles, the author first concentrates on the North Pole, detailing its geography and wildlife, then moves on to a separate discussion of the South Pole. This organizational scheme works well to distinguish the two areas as very different, while still sharing some common features. While this effort is intended as an easy reader, it is also informative enough for school reports and interesting enough to use as a read-aloud for science and geography lessons in the early grades. (Easy reader/nonfiction. 6-9)
