“Informative…fascinating… The text makes a compelling case for understanding and caring about Antarctica. Gonzalez’s illustrations provide an intriguing depiction of the setting…. A superb choice for students who are studying animal adaptation and how climate change impacts Antarctica. The well-researched text and captivating illustrations work well to convey the importance of conservation.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Beautifully illustrated… Batten presents well-researched and clearly written text that includes enough detail to engage readers without overwhelming them…. Gonzalez’s double-page pictures present vivid scenes of windswept ice, dramatic skies, and seas teeming with life. This inviting volume provides a lively introduction to Antarctica and its unique ecosystem.” —Booklist

“Descriptions are clear, concise, and interesting… [Batten’s] text is relatively substantial for a picture book, and it’s set against a backdrop of gorgeous Antarctic scenes created by Gonzalez.…the scenery is magnificent…. Sobering news in a handsome package.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Thomas Gonzalez’s watercolor illustrations are lively and precise, helping to make this an enchanting, educational introduction to Antarctica’s biodiversity.” —Foreword Reviews

Green Earth Book Award Recommended Reading List (Nonfiction)— The Nature Generation, 2021

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)— Kansas National Education Association, 2021

Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She lives in Virginia. You can visit her website here.

Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, Tom came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including 14 Cows for America, Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, and Countdown. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“An informative and interesting look at how belly buttons are formed and how they differ on people and the animals that have them… This inviting book is useful for both reports and answering kids’ questions.” ―School Library Journal

“Belly buttons are just the starting point for a fascinating look at how mammals develop… An especially wonderful book to share with youngsters awaiting the birth of a sibling, and a great addition to the nonfiction library collection.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Through this beautifully illustrated book, children at kindergarten or first grade level can explore the belly buttons of gigantic blue whales and miniscule bumblebee bats…This is an ideal read-aloud to begin a study of life cycles…This delightful book will satisfy the natural curiosity of primary students within a scientific framework.” ―NSTA Recommends

NSTA Recommends ―National Science Teachers Association, 2004

Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She lives in Virginia. You can visit her website here.

Higgins Bond received a BFA from the Memphis College of Art and has illustrated many books for children. She lives in Tennessee. You can visit her website here.

“This gentle story describes where, when, how often and how long different animals sleep. Realistic paintings of particular species at rest fill three-quarters of each double-page spread…Both bedtime book and informational text, this appealing title ends with a short list of books and websites for further research.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This is definitely one selection readers can cozy up with.” ―Library Media Connection

“The book contains interesting and relevant facts about animals…colorful illustrations of animals in their habitats will enthrall young readers…highly recommended.” ―Science Books & Films

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“Cozy, moon-glowing illustrations illuminate the pages of this restful, informative picture book-a smart choice for bedtime reading.” ―Lodi News Central

“A beautifully illustrated book” ―New York State Reading Association Blog

“Informative, inviting narrative alongside detailed paintings” ―The Virginian-Pilot

“A simple science title not only answers basic questions about when animals sleep, where they sleep, and how long they sleep, but also provides fascinating glimpses into some unusual ways of sleeping.” ―Books for Growing Minds

“In this interesting picture book, young readers will learn about a variety of sleeping strategies that animals adopt…Full of fascinating facts about all kinds of creatures, and with incredibly detailed illustrations throughout, this picture book is a must for children who like to learn about animals.” ―Through the Looking Glass

“This playful story provides a fascinating glimpse into the unique ways different animals sleep.” ―Your Big Backyard

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Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2009

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Science K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2008

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2009

Emphasis on Reading Program (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2009-2010

Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She lives in Virginia. You can visit her website here.

Higgins Bond received a BFA from the Memphis College of Art and has illustrated many books for children. She lives in Tennessee. You can visit her website here.

“From the book title and first line of text to the information-packed, full-page color illustrations, this overview of ecological missteps is nonstop intriguing… Lively personal-interest reading, this picture book for older children is fast moving, clear, and well detailed.” ―Booklist

“This visually striking and readable title describes what happens to ecosystems when alien plants or animals are introduced by accident or intention… The examples throughout are thought-provoking, the illustrations outstanding, and the concluding words on steps to take to keep aliens out are helpful and practical. Doyle, who specializes in environmental art, provides handsome, double-paged portraits of animals both native and new to their natural habitat, using a footnote to clue readers into which are which. Fascinating.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The spreads are beautifully illustrated with animals and plants that almost seem to jump off the pages. Everything depicted is labeled, and a helpful key designates which ones are native, endangered or threatened, alien, or extinct… Visually appealing, it should capture the interest of browsers.” ―School Library Journal

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“Invasive species are a real and imminent global threat. Aliens from Earth does a good job of delivering this message by explaining how invasive species destroy ecosystems and threaten other species’ existence… Batten delivers an important message, with clear instructions to readers as to how they can minimize invasive species.” ―Science Books & Films

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NSTA Recommends ―National Science Teachers Association, 2003

Conservation Book of the Year Award ―Izaak Walton League of America, 2006

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee) ―Indiana Library Federation, 2005-2006

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Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award ―Louisiana Center for the Book, 2006

Prairie Pasque Award ―South Dakota Library Association, 2005-2006

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Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She lives in Virginia. You can visit her website here.

Beverly Doyle graduated from Framingham State College with a major in fine arts and continued her studies at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. She lives in Vermont. You can visit her website here.

“A good deal of information in an attractive format…a welcome addition to most libraries.” ―Booklist

“Bond’s realistic watercolor paintings nicely reflect the text and do an excellent job of showing a loving relationship between the animal dads and their young against a backdrop that shows their natural habitat… a lovely book…” ―School Library Journal

“The text is written in a clear, easy-to-understand format that goes along with beautiful, full-page realistic drawings that show fathers caring for their offspring… This book would be exceptionally valuable in a science class where the roles of each animal family member are taught, especially the unusual roles of animal fathers. Highly Recommended.” ―Library Media Connection

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“Big, realistic, vivid art instantly captivates the reader. And the text grips him with the strange parenting habits of mammals, birds, and reptiles.” ―Science Books & Films

“A terrific read for Father’s Day or any day.” ―Bristol Herald Courier

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Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2005-2006

Children’s Crown Gallery Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2004-2005

Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She lives in Virginia. You can visit her website here.

Higgins Bond received a BFA from the Memphis College of Art and has illustrated many books for children. She lives in Tennessee. You can visit her website here.