Snowden, Maxine. Polar explores for kids; historic expedition to the Arctic and Antarctic with 21 activities - Brief Article - Book Review

Chicago Review Press. 150p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. c2004. 1-55652-500-1. $16.95.

Why would an explorer choose to travel to the farthest regions of our world? This activity book discusses the reasons why Erik the Red, John Davis, Henry Hudson, William Perry, John Franklin, Fridtjof Nansen, Robert Perry, Fredrick Cook, and Gretel Erhlich explored the Arctic; and why Captain James Cook, James Clark Ross, Robert Scott, Roald Amundsen, Ernest Shackleton, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, and Bill Green explored Antarctica. Snowden includes 21 activities that help bring the reality of the harsh climates of the Arctic and the Antarctic to the reader.

The research-based activities include an extensive materials list (be sure to stop by your local craft store to locate many of the supplies) and detailed instructions with a few diagrams. Many tie into other content areas (especially language, mathematics, and science). A wide range of illustrations are here, including maps and photographs (especially of wildlife and the landscape). The extensive timeline, as well as the glossary, featured Web sites (for further research), and bibliography, make this activity book a great resource. Jennifer Baldwin, M.S. Teacher, Stella, MO

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group