Title: Way Up North Where the Kittiwakes Play
Subtitle: An A to Z Alphabet Book for Child and Adult
Author: Juli-Ann Gasper
Publisher: Mainspring Books
ISBN: 979-8891140103
Pages: 68
Genre: Children’s Literature/Educational Alphabet Books
Reviewer: Manik Chaturmutha
Hollywood Book Reviews
Way Up North Where the Kittiwakes Play: An A to Z Alphabet Book for Child and Adult by Juli-Ann Gasper transports readers into the mesmerizing realm of the Arctic, beckoning individuals of younger ages, as well as adults sharing in this reading experience, to delve into its marvels through the alphabetical framework. The adventure begins right from the start, immersing readers in a captivating exploration filled with wonder and learning. Gasper combines beautiful pictures with engaging stories, creating a perfect blend which educates and entertains at the same time.
Gasper has crafted an exceptional educational resource in this alphabet book, suitable for both children and adults alike. The vivid photographs stimulate the imaginations of young readers while providing enriching content for adult readers. For example, younger readers will be mesmerized by the colorful illustrations and simple descriptions accompanying each letter. For example, let’s look at the letter “P” for polar bears. In this part, Gasper draws a beautiful picture of the polar bear in its natural habitat with icy water and snowy mountains. The words that go along with it give us some interesting facts about polar bears, making it the perfect introduction to Arctic wildlife.
On the other hand, adult readers will appreciate the depth of information provided on each page. Her writing strikes a perfect balance between educational content and lyrical prose, ensuring that readers can absorb new information while enjoying the narrative. By highlighting big words and adding additional information, the book not only explains concepts but also offers scientific explanations behind them.
One of the main plot points of the book is conservation and environmental awareness. Gasper shows how important it is to take care of the Arctic and the animals living there, especially with things like climate change and people harming the environment. This exploration goes further by providing readers with insightful glimpses into the customs and heritage of the indigenous communities intimately connected with the Arctic’s terrain and seas. In addition to enriching understanding, each segment is accompanied by stimulating questions, providing valuable suggestions on how to interact with the content found on every alphabet page and its associated information page. The help of a vocabulary at the end leads to navigating through the book effortlessly, accompanied by links to further online resources for those interested in delving deeper into the subject matter.
The illustrations used in the book are breathtaking. In the examination of the letter “I” for ice caps, Gasper offers readers valuable insights into the formation and importance of these frozen features in the Arctic. By illustrating how ice caps function as vital habitats for diverse Arctic wildlife, such as seals and polar bears, Gasper enhances readers’ comprehension of the Arctic ecosystem and the intricate relationships between its residents. Another example could be the letter “F” for Arctic fox; Gasper not only introduces children to this fascinating animal but also provides adults with exciting insights into its unique adaptations for survival in the harsh Arctic environment. Gasper’s inclusion of details such as the fox’s thick fur and stubby body enhances the educational value of the book for readers of all ages.
Way Up North Where the Kittiwakes Play is engaging and enlightening. Its abundance of knowledge and visually striking illustrations make it a worthwhile asset to any home library collection.