When the Sun Shines on Antarctica: And Other Poems About the Frozen Continent

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Animals of the Antarctica are given their rightful place in children's literature by poet Irene Latham. Children who love seals, whales, penguins and birds will page through this book over and over. The poetry provides comforting and surprising reveals while the text blocks add factual information. Wadhams's illustrations are full of color and depth even in this mostly barren environment. Her use of green, coral and blue on the surface of the ice adds to the appeal of the lovely blue and purple ocean.

I take issue however with the two page spread of a humpback whale. This illustration is far from being anatomically correct, even budding marine biologist will find the flippers and tail small and note the location of the whale's blowhole. This book will be helpful for school projects and appreciated by language arts teachers.

Overall Book Score: very good