Children's Book Reviews

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Antarctica's Frozen Chosen by Hazel Edwards
Lothian Books, July, 2003
Trade paperback, 176 pages
ISBN: 0375823840
Ages: Young Adult
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Antarctica's Frozen Chosen
by Hazel Edwards

Kyle is ecstatic when he gets the news that he has secured a job at the Antarctic research station to study elephant seals, whose decreasing numbers are worrying scientists. Kyle boards the Polar Bird re-supply ship for his journey to the Antarctic. Emailed daily by his Spanish eco-activist girlfriend, Jade, Kyle has to scramble to learn all the new procedures for living in subzero temperatures. He also has to learn all the lingo that Antarctic researchers use, such as boffins (scientists), being slotted (being trapped in an ice crevasse, not a good thing), and RTA (Returned to Australia). Jade spends a lot of time online with The Red Herrings, a protest group, but doesn't realize that eco-terrorists are using the online group for their own purposes. When a genetic experiment on rats threatens to cross over to humans with devastating effects, the research station is quarantined. But some members of the expedition threaten to mutiny -- and Kyle is caught in the middle.

Bestselling Australian children's author Hazel Edwards was the writer on ice at Antarctica's Casey Station, and she brings her experiences to life in this crisply written eco-thriller. From the crack of the ice as the re-supply ship hits the side of an iceberg to the howl of the subarctic wind, the author makes you feel as if you were on a ship headed to the south pole, seeing penguins and icy water (which can kill an unprotected human in just a few minutes). The themes of eco-terrorism and genetic manipulation are explored in an interesting way which encourages readers to think about the issues raised: no easy answers are provided. The action is fast-paced and the characters are interesting, making for an exciting and very entertaining read.

Baby Food by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers
Arthur A. Levine Books, September, 2003
Picture Book, 32 pages
ISBN: 0439110173
All Ages
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Baby Food
by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers

The talented duo of Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers (How are You Peeling, Dog Food) are at it again: this time they've created the most adorable baby creatures ever, all made out of produce. All of the creations are very visually appealing: a puppy made out of bananas, a kitten made of onions, a seal pup fashioned from a sweet potato and a whale calf made from an eggplant are some of the charming images. Each baby animal is placed on a vividly colored background with lettering below to let toddlers know the name of the animal. You and your tot are sure to get the giggles over this absolutely darling book.

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Children's Book Reviews

Antarctica's Frozen Chosen by Hazel Edwards

Baby Food by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers