Glaciers are in the news, primarily because many are melting as a consequence of climate change. Susi Gregg Fowler, the author of a new picture book, Who Lives Near a Glacier: Alaska Animals in the Wild, and her husband, artist Jim Fowler, have teamed up to approach the topic of glaciers from a different viewpoint: that of the animals who live around or on glaciers.
The text is unusual, too. The author, who has written nine previous books for children, is also a poet. She applies those skills to present information about creatures ranging from moose to ice worms using a variety of poetic forms, voices, and devices suited to their subjects. Take “Voles”, which begins:
“Eek! Squeak!
Scurry. Streak.
From lakeside up
to mountain peak.
Voles!”
Or “Wolves”:
“I’m a creature of myth
and mystery.The stories folks tell?
They’d scare even me.
Of course I’m wild.
I’m meant to be.”
The Fowlers are long-time residents of Juneau, in Southeast Alaska, an area abounding with glaciers and wildlife. Familiarity with their subjects shines through both the text and the illustrations, which integrate well with the poems. Rich, saturated colors and brush strokes convey a sense of movement and energy. The illustrations accurately portray animals and landscape while also expressing a feeling of expansiveness, just a little bit dreamlike.
In addition to the information embedded within the poems, a brief note about each animal includes a few additional facts, a format that should attract the young naturalist looking for information, the young reader who loves words, and the young wordsmith who enjoys trying their hand at poetry. A double-page spread at the end, “How Are Glaciers Formed?”, offers insight into four types of glaciers and how they change over time.
As a former school librarian, I can imagine using this book with students in several ways. First, simply as an enjoyable reading experience, either out loud or for personal pleasure. The book also offers an enticing opportunity to teach poetry through wildlife, and conversely, wildlife (and glaciers and ecology) through poetry. Either way, Who Lives Near a Glacier?, is an informative springboard to exploring the world outdoors, as well as the language we use to describe it.
My only regret is that the book is currently available only in paperback. Perhaps the publishers will consider a hardcover edition for the school and library market.
Who Lives Near a Glacier? Alaska Animals in the Wild, written by Susi Gregg Fowler, illustrated by Jim Fowler. Published 2022 by Little Bigfoot, an imprint of Sasquatch Books.
