Antarctica (Our Endangered Planet)

Grade 3-6-- A readable and informative look at the history, environment, and wildlife of this icy region. Threats to the ecology of the driest, highest, coldest, windiest, and most southern continent are outlined along with the cooperative efforts of many nations to protect and preserve the area from exploitation and abuse of its rich resources. High-quality, captioned full-color photographs enhance the well-written text, lending additional information as well as visual appeal. This volume is more attractive and up-to-date in terms of global environmental issues than Soule's Antarctica (Watts, 1985; o.p.). For a firsthand look at an Antarctic base, see Hackwell's Desert of Ice (Scribners, 1991). In Cowcher's Antarctica (Soundprints, 1990), penguins see the arrival of human expeditioners as potential threats to their habitat. --Eunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A colorful, chatty look at Antarctica's history, geography, and climate, plus efforts to safeguard it from environmental damage. Curious facts abound--e.g., Antarctica was torn from South America 50 to 100 million years ago; it holds 70% of the world's water supply and has only two species of plants. Especially intriguing are the photos, drawings, and accounts of exploration: Ui-te-Rangiora, 650; Captain Cook, 1770; Scott and Amundsen, 1912; Byrd, 1929; Steger, 1989. Addresses of organizations; suggestions for activities; glossary; index. (Nonfiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.