ARCTIC ANIMALS

Little readers get a primer on Arctic critters.

In this simple board book, each double-page spread presents a photograph of an animal in its natural surroundings to the left and an isolated animal image against a solid-colored background with descriptive text on the right. The text identifies the animal in three ways: first with Inuktitut characters, then the Romanized Inuktitut word, and finally an English translation of the word. Animals included are the ptarmigan, wolf, polar bear, eider duck, lemming, bearded seal, caribou, and arctic fox. This is a book targeted at Inuit families as well as more southerly parents who hope to expose their little ones to other cultures as early as possible. The stock photographs are handsome, and although the format and presentation are pretty basic, it is not a bland book by any stretch. The variety of animals and cool new sounds on display go a long way for readers unfamiliar with the climate. Similar titles Marine Animals and Inuit Tools are also available, the latter title featuring clear drawings instead of photographs.

A basic but effective read from the far north.