Arctic Fox, written by Brian Koonoo and illustrated by Joseph Starkey. Inhabit Media, 2023. $17.95 ages 4 and up

 

"An Arctic fox can pinpoint the exact location of a 
lemming under the snow and jump down with its 
front paws, digging very fast to snatch its prey. 
They also hunt ringed seal pups in late March 
and April. Foxes quickly dig into seal dens to 
catch the pups."

I have shared books in the Animals Illustrated series with teachers and children many times. They are filled with just the right amount of information for young readers doing primary research. Their design is consistent; they are written about the animals of the Arctic and the illustrations are clear and helpful. 

The table of contents for this 24-page book tells readers they will learn about the title animal, range, skeleton, claws, ears, diet, babies, predators, fun facts, and traditional uses. Each two-page spread is illustrated with detailed images of the northern landscape and its inhabitants. Children are always interested in taking a close look at the labelled skeleton, and to learn all they can about the animal presented. 

"From 11 to 16 babies are born in a litter.
That is one of the largest litter sizes of any 
mammal in the world! The babies stay with 
their mother in the den for about 3.5 months. 
They drink only their mother's milk for 
about the first 5 or 6 weeks, then they eat 
the meat that their parents bring them."

Written by Arctic residents who are familiar with the animals being showcased, they tell stories that come from real experiences. Information about both author and illustrator is provided at the back of each book. Titles include Musk Ox, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Narwhal, Ringed Seal, Arctic Wolf, Polar Bear, Caribou, Wolverine, and Bowhead Whale.