Illustrated by Jon Van Zyle
Walker & Company, 1997
ISBN: 0-8027-8474-7(hardbound)
ISBN: 0-8027-7558-6(paperback)
Ages 4-8 years.
AWARDS AND REVIEWS:
International Reading Association-Children's Book Council, 1998 Teacher's Choice Award
"A unique title for young listeners and readers, this book is certain to enhance collections on Alaskan animals, seasons, ecosystems, and life cycles."
- School Library Journal, starred review
"Miller takes a careful look at a temporary water system - a vernal lake in Alaska whose emergence and disappearance each year has given rise to a unique ecosystem. Readers will be fascinated by the existence of such systems."
- Kirkus Reviews, pointer review
CREATING THE BOOK:
Disappearing Lake is located in Denali National Park, surrounded by the majestic Alaska Range. Our family has visited this lake every spring for the past decade. The story is based on our wildlife observations and studies of the area. Our daughters, Robin and Casey, named this place Disappearing Lake because each year they've watched the lake gradually disappear.
Now you see it, now you don't!
(images are coming!)
Vernal lakes are temporary water systems created by rainwater or by snow melting in the spring. Disappearing Lake is one of many vernal lakes and ponds that are scattered across Alaska, and in many regions around the world. As temperatures rise and the snow vanishes, the lakes gradually disappear as the water seeps into the ground and evaporates. What once was a lake or pond, often becomes a meadow.
(image of meadow)
Vernal ecosystems provide important habitats for a fascinating web of life. Fairy shrimp thrive for a few brief weeks, laying their eggs before the water disappears. Migratory birds use vernal lakes as critical resting and feeding areas. Meadows provide foraging habitats for birds and for mammals such as caribou, moose, and voles. Each creature depends on this changing wilderness to meet its own special needs.
(image of kids studying pond life)
Disappearing Lake has always been a magical place for our daughters. Perhaps if you look around your home, school or community, you will discover a lake or pond that disappears. Perhaps you too can discover what lives in this changing habitat. Have fun exploring the natural world around your community!
FUN FACTS FOR KIDS:
Did you know that...
*Alaska has more than three million lakes!
*The largest freshwater lake in Alaska is Lake Iliamna, located on the Alaska Peninsula, just north of Katmai National Park. This enormous lake is 75 miles long and 20 miles wide. It is about the same size as the state of Rhode Island. Can you find it on a map? How do you think it grew to be so big?
*Disappearing Lake is not marked on any map. When you think about it, it doesn't make sense to put this lake's name on a map because most of the year it's not there! Disappearing Lake is only full of water in April, May and June. The water depth varies from 6 to 12 feet, depending upon how much snow the Alaska Range receives.
*One of my funny writing friends thought I should name Disappearing Lake "Honey, I Shrunk The Lake!"
