Illustrated by Jon Van Zyle (our 9th collaboration)
Walker Books (February 2010)
ISBN: 987-0-8027-9815-2
Ages: 7 and up
Illustrated by Jon Van Zyle (our 9th collaboration)
Walker Books (February 2010)
ISBN: 987-0-8027-9815-2
Ages: 7 and up
REVIEWS:
“Focusing on the fauna that make their home in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Miller explores the many different kinds of adaptations that allow these animals to survive the brutal winters. From caribou and blackfish to Arctic fox and chickadee, most rely on physical characteristics. In preparation for winter, the wood frog literally freezes, flooding its body with glucose to prevent damage from ice crystals. The musk ox is naturally suited to the cold, with thick wool, short legs and small ears. In addition to their physical adaptations, these animals must feed and shelter themselves. The ptarmigan plunges into the powdery snow to survive nighttime temperatures, while the squirrel stores a cache of food to last the winter. The author segues nicely into spring, giving readers a sense of the full cycle of a year. Van Zyle’s acrylic artwork realistically portrays both the animals and their Arctic habitat. Predominantly blue, brown and white, the paintings evoke the harsh climate of northern Alaska. A fascinating look at the great diversity of animal adaptations, as well as an introduction to some lesser-known species.”
- Kirkus Reviews
FEATURED ARCTIC ANIMALS: These are some of the animals that survive Alaska's long winters. Click on their name to hear their sounds.
Survival at 40 Below is a book that describes some of the amazing adaptations of arctic animals for winter survival. This story takes place in Gates of the Arctic National Park, a place that I've explored on foot during the summer. Thanks to the Park's artist-in-residence program, I hiked 75 miles through stunning wilderness where I encountered many of the animals that are featured in Survival at 40 Below, illustrated by Alaska wildlife artist, Jon Van Zyle.
Above the Arctic Circle, animals must prepare for the extreme cold and long winters. Snow covers the ground from October until May, and the average temperature is below 32 degrees F. Each species has developed successful adaptations in order to survive temperatures that can drop to 40, 50, 60, even 70 degrees below zero!
Imagine for a moment what it would be like to be a wood frog living near the Arctic Circle. This incredible frog is frozen for most of the year beneath the snow and forest duff. A living frogsicle! Some animals are very active during the winter, such as wolves and caribou. Other animals, such as the Arctic ground squirrel and grizzly bear, conserve energy as they rest in their burrows and dens. Through my research and interviews with scientists I learned that animals of the Arctic have unusual and unique ways of combating and escaping the cold.
These are some of the animals that I studied to write the book Survival at 40 Below. The beautiful pictures of the wolf, musk oxen, Arctic ground squirrel, and the willow ptarmigan were taken by noted Alaska photographer Patrick Endres. Patrick is a talented landscape and wildlife photographer who was my canoe partner this summer. Thanks to Patrick for sharing his pictures. Visit Patrick's Alaska Photo Graphics to see more incredible Alaska photography.
In addition to seeing the animals, you can also hear their voices thanks to the recording work of Richard Nelson, a friend who loves spending time observing wild animals and recording their voices and natural sounds. Thanks to Nels for sharing nature's music and the lives of Alaska's animals with all of us. To hear more sounds and stories from the wilds visit Encounters
It's
in Fairbanks, Alaska
