In Arctic Waters
by Laura Crawford, illustrated by Ben Hodson
Published by Sylvan Dell Publishing
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Reviewed by Janelle Martin
Written for the rhyme "This is the House that Jack Built," In Arctic Waters grew out of a science unit on the Arctic. Laura Crawford was intriqued with the animals of the region and created this fascinating story for her second grade class. Like the original rhyme, children will be delighted by the rhythm of Crawford's story:
"This is the seal, bouncing along
That teases the narwhal, big and strong..."
Ben Hodson's illustrations are bright, engaging, and sure to delighted children. They will enjoy looking at the pictures as much as hearing the story. This quickly became a favorite for the three year old I read it to, and he has now memorized parts of the rhyme.
In Arctic Waters is published by Sylvan Dell Publishing, a young company committed to creating picture books to excite children's imagination. Each book contains a compelling story supplemented by a "3 to 5 page 'For Creative Minds' section that includes fun facts, crafts, vocabulary and games...to support National Science and Math Standards."
Carefully vetted by experts in the field (scientists and educators) to ensure scientific accuracy, these volumes are sure to engage your child's creative spirit.
Certainly I had no idea that a walrus' age is calculated by counting the rings in their teeth, the same as is done with trees. The child I read In Arctic Waters to was delighted to find out that walruses use their whiskers to touch and feel; however he was most intrigued to find out that beluga whales shed their skin in the summer by rubbing on gravel.
"Learning Links" and "Teaching Activities" for the book can be found at http://www.SylvanDellPublishing.com
Armchair Interviews says: The educational part in the back always adds so much.